In a push to address Nigeria’s food security challenges, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has called for the establishment of University Farms within agricultural faculties across the country. This initiative aims to provide students with practical training while transforming agricultural education into actionable, commercially viable solutions.
The minister’s proposal was revealed during a visit by a delegation from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Ben Goong, Director of Information and Public Relations, disclosed the details in an official statement.
Maiha emphasized the critical role of hands-on training in agriculture and livestock studies, urging Universities of Agriculture to focus on the commercialization of research and innovation, particularly in livestock farming. “Knowledge must be commercialised. We must leverage the vast potential within Nigeria’s universities, particularly those focused on agriculture, to drive sustainable solutions to food security challenges,” he stated.
The minister outlined the importance of creating centers of excellence where students can gain real-world experience, experiment with innovations, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. “We cannot train the next generation of agricultural experts and entrepreneurs in classrooms alone,” Maiha said, adding that university farms should be the foundation for practical learning.
Maiha also highlighted the need for collaboration among universities, the private sector, and the Ministry of Livestock Development to ensure the economic viability of these farms. He stressed that every farmable animal in Nigeria—including cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits, pigs, donkeys, and bees—falls under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
“We will work together to drive this process and meet the mandate of this ministry. Our goal is to supply the food requirements of this country in their various nutritional forms,” the minister affirmed.
