The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has secured a ₦1 billion grant from the Federal Government’s 2025 Special Intervention Fund, administered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The funding, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is directed toward strengthening FUTA’s Agricultural Commercial Farm as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.
According to a letter signed by TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, and addressed to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, FUTA was selected for the special allocation in line with the TETFund Act of 2011. The intervention aims to enhance the university’s research capacity, promote commercial farming, and support national food production initiatives.
FUTA’s Commitment to Food Security
Reacting to the development, Professor Oladiji expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and TETFund for recognising FUTA’s contributions to agricultural innovation and national food security. She noted that the grant would help expand ongoing projects in vegetable production, greenhouse cultivation, and tree planting, while advancing the university’s mission to integrate research with real-world agricultural practice.
Expanding Vegetable Production and Research
FUTA’s Vegetable Production Centre currently assists local farmers in adopting improved cultivation techniques for F1 hybrid varieties of bell peppers and tomatoes. These crops, developed through research at the university’s Teaching and Research Farm, demonstrate higher yield and resilience compared to traditional species. The new funding will enable FUTA to scale up these operations, providing training and resources for farmers across the region.
Growth in Palm Plantation and Greenhouse Facilities
The Vice Chancellor further disclosed that part of the intervention fund will be used to expand palm plantations and complete additional greenhouse structures aimed at boosting productivity. She assured stakeholders that the funds would be managed with transparency and accountability to achieve measurable outcomes that align with FUTA’s agricultural development goals.
Strengthening National Growth Through Agriculture
EducationNGR also learnt that the ₦1 billion intervention reinforces FUTA’s role as a national model for research-driven agriculture, bridging the gap between academia and industry. The investment will support youth empowerment programmes, sustainable farming models, and research aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency in Nigeria.
By linking innovation with practical application, FUTA continues to demonstrate how universities can contribute directly to economic diversification and rural development. This latest funding boost positions the institution as a vital partner in the Federal Government’s ongoing quest to secure Nigeria’s food future.