Agriculture Universities in Nigeria Struggle Amid Growing Food Crisis

Despite establishing numerous agricultural institutions in Nigeria, the country’s persistent food crisis continues to deepen, leaving many to question their effectiveness.

Agriculture remains a vital part of Nigeria’s economy, employing about 35% of the population, according to a 2020 report.

However, the sector still faces significant challenges, with several federal universities dedicated to agriculture.

One of these institutions, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, recently sparked controversy when its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, explained that the University’s role is not to directly tackle food shortages but to provide students with the skills necessary for agricultural development.

This remark came after frustrations grew over the underperformance of universities focused on agriculture, particularly in food production.

Nigeria currently has six federal universities of agriculture, as well as other institutions offering agricultural programs. These include Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in February 2025.

 The government envisions these institutions as key players in solving the country’s food security issues by developing professionals, promoting innovation, and enhancing agricultural productivity.

However, experts argue that despite the substantial allocations to these institutions, they have not made a significant contribution to resolving Nigeria’s food crisis.

 With a growing food insecurity problem, where over 26 million Nigerians faced hunger in mid-2024, critics believe these universities should be more proactive in addressing food shortages and improving farming techniques.

In addition to training professionals, the institutions were expected to engage in research to promote sustainable farming, increase crop yields, and support rural development.

While some universities, such as FUNAAB, have made strides in research, including the development of new breeds of livestock like the Kalawad goat and the FUNAAB Alpha Chicken, their impact has been limited.

Agricultural settlements, which once aimed to improve food production, have also largely fallen into disuse, further exacerbating the food crisis.

 Issues such as insecurity and farmer-herder clashes have disrupted farming in key regions, leaving agricultural universities with little to show in terms of reversing these trends.

The federal government allocated N54.38 billion to universities of agriculture in the 2025 budget.

While funding is a positive step, stakeholders argue that these funds must be utilised effectively to improve the performance of these institutions.