The summit, scheduled to hold from May 12 to 15 at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, is being facilitated by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
Themed, “Unfolding the Potentials of Agricultural Colleges and Institutions Through Collaboration and Innovation to Enhance Food Security and Job Creation,” the summit is expected to convene agricultural research institutes, colleges, development partners, policymakers, embassies, private sector stakeholders and farmers from across the country.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour at the event regarded as the first legislative-driven national engagement focused specifically on agricultural colleges and research institutions in Nigeria.
Speaking during a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, ahead of the summit, Senator Alli said the initiative became necessary following concerns over the growing disconnect between farmers and agricultural research institutions despite numerous innovations developed within the sector.
According to him, many local farmers remained unaware of improved seedlings, mechanised farming methods and technological breakthroughs developed by Nigerian agricultural research institutes.
He noted that the summit would focus on strengthening legislative frameworks, improving institutional collaboration and ensuring that research outcomes directly benefit farmers and rural communities.
The senator explained that the initiative followed a retreat organised by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions in collaboration with heads of agencies, institutions and development partners.
Alli stressed that sustainable food security could only be achieved through legislation, research, innovation and stronger synergy among agricultural institutions, the National Assembly, development partners and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He cited improved cocoa varieties capable of fruiting within 18 months compared to the traditional seven-year cycle, alongside improved cassava varieties and other innovations already developed by local researchers.
According to him, one of the major challenges confronting the sector is the inability to effectively transfer research discoveries from institutions to farmers.
The lawmaker further lamented the declining fortunes of Nigeria’s agricultural institutions despite the country’s rich agricultural history and research capacity.
Drawing comparisons with Malaysia’s oil palm industry, Alli recalled that palm seedlings were originally taken from Nigeria decades ago, yet Malaysia had emerged as a global leader in palm oil production due to stronger implementation and investment.
He blamed poor policy implementation, inadequate institutional support and weak coordination among stakeholders for many of the challenges facing the sector.
The senator also identified market instability, post-harvest losses and poor storage facilities as critical issues affecting farmers nationwide.
According to him, partnerships had already been initiated with development organisations to support farmers through mechanised land preparation, cultivation, harvesting and market access programmes targeted mainly at youths and women.
He added that solar-powered dryers had also been introduced in some communities to improve preservation, reduce waste and encourage value addition for agricultural products.
Alli disclosed that more than 28 agricultural institutions alongside about 12 embassies and international organisations, including the European Union, GIZ, the British High Commission and the Malaysian Embassy, were expected at the summit.
He noted that agricultural desk officers from several embassies would participate in discussions aimed at fostering international partnerships, research exchange and development cooperation.
The senator called on journalists and media organisations to support efforts geared towards repositioning agricultural colleges and research institutions through wider publicity and public engagement.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Akeem Abas, described the summit as a timely intervention capable of strengthening food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
Abas commended Senator Alli for what he described as transformational leadership and commitment to institutional reforms within the agricultural sector.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Professor Mohammed Lawal Atanda, described the summit as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s agricultural research sector.
Atanda said the initiative would help strengthen legislative coordination and provide a roadmap for sustainable development within agricultural colleges and research institutions.
He added that Nigerian research institutes possessed highly skilled professionals and internationally recognised innovations that required greater visibility, collaboration and institutional support.
Similarly, Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Dr. Adedeji Abiodun Rasheed, stressed the need for increased private sector participation in funding agricultural research and revitalising institutions.
Rasheed maintained that government alone could not shoulder the burden of restoring the lost glory of agricultural institutions, insisting that stakeholders across the agricultural value chain must support ongoing reforms.
In his remarks, Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Professor Oluwatosin Gabriel, said stronger legislation and executive support were necessary to reposition agricultural research institutes and colleges across the country.
Gabriel described Ibadan as a strategic location for the summit due to its historical role in agricultural research and innovation in Nigeria.
He emphasised the need for synergy among governments, institutions and the private sector to enhance food production, research visibility and national food security.
The summit is expected to feature policy dialogues, exhibitions, research presentations and strategic discussions on food security, research commercialisation, mechanisation, youth empowerment, international partnerships and sustainable agricultural development.
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