By Isaac Lewu

The new Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Prof. Israel Ogunlade, has pledged to prioritise the linkage between agricultural research and industry to ensure that innovations from the University are adopted by end users.

Prof. Ogunlade made this known last Thursday (August 28, 2025) in his office in an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin, where he outlined his vision for the Faculty. He stressed that his administration would focus on research relevance, student entrepreneurship, and staff mentorship as pathways to societal impact.

The Dean disclosed that he also plans to encourage fellows who had studied abroad to bring back their experiences and present them to the Faculty, which will birth the adaptability of their knowledge to our local environment.

On students’ development, Prof. Ogunlade said his interest lies in seeing them become entrepreneurs. He added that the foundation had already been laid by the immediate past Dean through Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with industry partners, and promised to follow it up to ensure that students gain hands-on training and emerge as business-minded professionals.

Prof. Ogunlade further emphasised that ‘‘lecturers should play a critical role in mentoring students. He also said that undergraduates must be taught to research into the problems of our society and produce meaningful solutions. while lecturers should guide students into impactful research that will make a difference in the world.’’

He also promised to celebrate academic staff who are contributing to the growth of the Faculty. He revealed that the Faculty has its own recognition package for PhD graduates beyond what the University provides at convocation. He added that the Faculty wants the world to know that the Faculty of Agriculture is monitoring their progress and that we are producing PhDs who will hold positions in society and give back to the University.’’

The Dean disclosed that the Faculty is strengthening its Town and Gown Committee to organise workshops and short-term training for members of the public, to enable the society to see what we are doing and to benefit directly from our research outputs.

He also spoke on the Faculty’s Farmers’ Market, which sells produce from the teaching and research farm, noting that the initiative would be expanded. He said that his Faculty would ‘‘increase staple food production for the University community so that people can feel the impact of our research.’’

Prof. Ogunlade said the Faculty would also promote backyard farming, encouraging staff and students to cultivate crops around their offices and residences for personal use.

On infrastructure, the Dean lamented the inadequacy of farm equipment. He explained that the Faculty only managed to refurbish a 30-year-old tractor, which is insufficient for its operations. He said the Faculty urgently needs strong and functional tractors as well as other implements to boost teaching and research activities.

The Dean disclosed that efforts are underway to introduce more equipment and improve mobility for staff and students. He said the Faculty is considering acquiring tricycles for transportation to and from the farm, adding that with better logistics, the farm will become a place people will want to visit and learn from.’’

Prof. Ogunlade praised the University administration for supporting farm practical training but emphasised the need for more investment. “The University has tried by releasing funds for training, but we still need additional facilities to meet the demands of modern agriculture,” he observed.

According to him, the Faculty is committed to aligning with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda. “We want the government and society to see that we are doing things differently. Our aim is to make affordable food crops and animal produce available to the University community while equipping students with entrepreneurial skills,” he said.

The Dean concluded by expressing confidence that the Faculty would make the University proud. “We will strengthen our linkages with the outside world and ensure that our students leave here as competent entrepreneurs and innovators,” he affirmed.