Enhancing National Food Security: Why Nigerian Universities Are Key to Agricultural Success — Rep. Onuigbo

 

​The pressing challenge of achieving sustainable food security in Nigeria has once again taken center stage as former lawmaker Rep. Sam Onuigbo highlighted the indispensable role of academic institutions in revolutionizing the nation’s agricultural sector. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, during a high-level educational forum, Onuigbo emphasized that universities are not merely centers for theoretical learning but are the primary engines for the innovation, research, and technical expertise required to ensure Nigeria can feed its growing population. With the intersection of climate change and traditional farming practices creating a precarious situation, Onuigbo argues that the synergy between the "gown and the town"—the university and the farm—is the only viable path to self-sufficiency.

​The Academic Engine: Beyond the Classroom

​According to Rep. Onuigbo, the current gap between Nigerian agricultural research and actual farm output is a major bottleneck. He pointed out that Nigeria possesses world-class agricultural departments across its federal and state universities, yet many of the breakthroughs discovered in these laboratories never reach the hands of the rural farmer.

​To bridge this divide, Onuigbo called for a "Research-to-Table" policy. This approach would empower universities to move beyond publishing academic papers to establishing pilot farms and seed centers that provide high-yield, climate-resilient seedlings to local communities. By leveraging university expertise, Nigeria can transition from subsistence farming to a technology-driven agribusiness model that attracts the youth and increases the national GDP.

​Addressing Climate Change and Crop Yields

​A significant portion of Onuigbo’s address focused on the looming threat of climate change, a subject on which he has long been a leading legislative voice in Nigeria. He noted that changing weather patterns, unpredictable rainfall, and desertification in the North are rapidly shrinking the available arable land.

​"Our universities must lead the charge in climate-smart agriculture," Onuigbo stated. He urged academic institutions to focus on:

• ​Drought-Resistant Crops: Developing varieties of maize, rice, and tubers that can thrive with minimal water.
• ​Soil Mapping: Utilizing university geologists and agronomists to provide farmers with precise data on soil health.
• ​Irrigation Technology: Engineering cost-effective, solar-powered irrigation systems that can be manufactured locally by university engineering departments.

​Universities as Hubs for Agricultural Entrepreneurship

​One of the most profound points made by the former lawmaker was the need to rebrand agriculture from a "survivalist activity" to a "profitable business." He believes that universities are uniquely positioned to mentor the next generation of "agripreneurs." By integrating business management with agricultural science, universities can produce graduates who are not looking for white-collar jobs but are ready to launch large-scale mechanized farms.

​This shift is crucial for Nigeria’s food security because the aging population of traditional farmers is no longer sufficient to meet the demand of over 200 million people. Onuigbo argued that when universities become incubators for agricultural startups, they create a value chain that includes processing, packaging, and logistics, thereby reducing post-harvest losses which currently stand at nearly 40% in Nigeria.

​The Need for Increased Funding and Partnership

​While highlighting the potential of universities, Rep. Onuigbo did not ignore the systemic challenges they face. He called on the Federal Government and private sector players to significantly increase funding for agricultural research. He noted that the "Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)" should prioritize grants for projects specifically aimed at solving food security issues.

​Furthermore, he encouraged universities to seek international partnerships with agricultural institutions in countries like Israel and the Netherlands. These collaborations could facilitate knowledge transfer in hydroponics, greenhouse farming, and precision agriculture, allowing Nigerian students to learn global best practices that can be adapted to the local environment.

​Strategic Policy Recommendations

​To actualize this vision, Onuigbo proposed several strategic shifts:

1. ​Mandatory Farm Placements: Ensuring that students in agricultural fields spend more time on actual farms rather than in lecture halls.
2. ​Extension Services: Reviving the university extension service model where professors and researchers visit local communities to train farmers on new techniques.
3. ​Digital Agriculture: Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Drone technology into the curriculum to monitor crop health and optimize pesticide use.

​Conclusion: A Call to Action for Food Sovereignty

​Rep. Sam Onuigbo’s message is clear: the road to a hunger-free Nigeria passes through the gates of its universities. As the nation faces economic pressures and a rising cost of living, the importance of food sovereignty cannot be overstated. By empowering academic institutions to lead the agricultural revolution, Nigeria can secure its borders, stabilize its economy, and ensure that every citizen has access to affordable, nutritious food.

​The time for theoretical debate is over. As Onuigbo concluded, "We have the brains in our universities; we have the land in our states. All we need now is the political will and the academic courage to bring the two together for the survival of our nation."