FUNAAB launches major Cocoa planting project
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Tofunmi Adebayo
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has embarked on an ambitious project to plant 3,000 cocoa seedlings, aimed at significantly enhancing its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). This initiative marks a new chapter in the University’s efforts to leverage agricultural innovation for financial sustainability.
The Founding Fathers of FUNAAB had a legacy of integrating agriculture with education, having previously planted cashew and teak trees for teaching, research, and revenue generation. This new cocoa project continues that tradition, reinforcing the University’s role as a leader in agricultural education and practice.
During an inspection of the cocoa seedling planting on July 24, 2024, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde emphasized the importance of such projects for a premier agricultural university.
“As a foremost University of Agriculture in Africa, it is fitting that we undertake significant agricultural projects like this on our campus,” he stated. Prof. Kehinde highlighted that the project represents a critical step towards achieving long-term financial stability for the institution.
The cocoa plantation, strategically located at the University’s Arboretum near the Ceremonial Gate, spans an impressive 7-hectare area. Prof. Mufutau Atayese, the Technical Consultant for the project, praised the University Administration’s foresight in expanding FUNAAB’s revenue streams.
He explained that the cocoa seedlings, sourced from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), are expected to start flowering in two years, reach full maturity in three years, and produce a substantial harvest by the second harvest year.
Prof. Atayese, a former Dean of the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), stressed the alignment of the project with the University Management’s commitment to diversifying income sources and ensuring sustainable productivity. He noted that the project’s success would serve as a model for other institutions seeking to enhance their financial independence through agricultural ventures.
In addition to the cocoa project, the Arboretum hosts a diverse range of indigenous and exotic tree species, such as teak, araba, Treculia Africana (afon), Ficus carpiensis (opoto), and Cajanus cajan, enriching the area’s biodiversity and providing valuable resources for research and education.
The cocoa plantation initiative highlights FUNAAB’s dedication to utilizing its agricultural expertise for both financial and environmental sustainability, reaffirming its status as a leading University of Agriculture in Africa. The project is not only a testament to the University’s innovative spirit but also a beacon of hope for the future of agricultural education and practice in Nigeria.
This recent initiative follows another significant tree-planting effort by the University. In June 2024, FUNAAB planted over 4,000 tree species, including mahogany, afara, and locust beans, along with 2,000 gmelina seedlings.
These efforts, carried out by students of the Forestry Department at various campus locations, highlight the University’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and educational excellence.
