Vasity Don Calls for Policy Reforms to Ensure Agricultural Innovation in Nigeria

By YM Bina

A University Don, Professor Olufemi Olubunmi Egbewande has called for reforms in government policies to support and improve research funding, create an enabling research environment, ensure adequate security and institutional support for agricultural innovation.

The Professor of Monogastric Animal Production in the Department of Agriculture, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, made the call while delivering the institution’s 28th inaugural lecture in Lapai, Niger State.

According to him, the lecture with the title: “Platonic Love for Chicken”, captures the essence of the consumption of chicken and its products as the richest source of nutrients for human health.

He advocated for a collaborative funding model by government, industries and wealthy individuals to ensure sustained innovation in Nigeria’s poultry sector. Adding that reforming the poultry sector would not only improve productivity of farmers but guarantee opportunities for young professionals in Agriculture, particularly poultry production.

The don also called for the adoption of phytogenic alternatives, plant-based solutions for disease prevention, while he urged policymakers to introduce farmer friendly policies that would stimulate poultry production across the country

Olubunmi-Egbewande said that with the reforms in place, many trained animal scientists would become productive and contribute their quota to the food security and protein needs of the nation instead of drifting into unproductive social vices.

According to him, reducing the cost of feeds and providing accessible, low-interest loans will boost productivity and encourage more Nigerians to invest in poultry farming.

“Research sponsorship was once supported by industries, wealthy individuals, and government. We are  calling for a return to a collaborative funding models to ensure sustained innovation in poultry science” he said.

Olubunmi Egbewande advised on the use of agro-industrial by-products as replacements for conventional feed ingredients to reduce production expenses and make poultry farming more sustainable.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the IBBUL, Professor Mohammed Hadi  Suleiman reiterated the unwavering commitment of the university’s inaugural lecture schedule not to be interrupted and appreciated the Senate and conference committee for being on high alert of its responsibility.

He noted that the topic: “Platonic Love for Chickens” demands a big congratulations to the inaugural lecturer for achieving one of his cardinal dreams of being a astute academic, especially as a Monogastric Animal Production.