By Isaac Lewu
The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, OFR, has said that there is an urgent need to modernise and commercialise Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Prof. Jega, who is also the Special Adviser to the President and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative, made this call last Monday, (June 30, 2025) while delivering the 2025 edition of the Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture of the Faculty of Social Sciences, titled “The Political Economy of Livestock Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects”, at the University Auditorium.
The lecture was held in honour of Senator Saliu Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services and Rural Development.
Prof. Jega emphasised that transforming the livestock industry is not just an economic ambition but a national imperative, saying that modernising and commercialising the livestock sector is not a luxury but essential.
He added that the transformation of the livestock sector has the potential of nourishing our population, stabilise fragile regions, unlock economic value, and restore dignity to rural livelihoods.
The renowned academic, who is a former National Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said the envisaged transformation will require the collaborative efforts of policymakers, researchers, traditional rulers, and private sector stakeholders.
Prof. Jega, therefore, charged all stakeholders such as the legislators, academics, business executives, and community leaders to move beyond conferences and convert policy blueprints into visible actions across farms, markets, and legislative platforms, pointing out that “the time for half-measures has passed, what lies before us is the opportunity to transform a historically neglected sector into a beacon of resilience, equity, and prosperity”.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to national development, particularly in the agricultural sector. He noted that the University has consistently supported research and policy discussions that will provide practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Prof. Egbewole added that the choice of the theme for this year’s lecture aligns with the University’s strategic vision to contribute to national transformation through intellectual engagement and community-based innovation.
Also speaking, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Adedoyin Jolaade Omede, described the lecture as a timely intervention in addressing the multifaceted issues confronting Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Prof. Omede assured the audience that the Faculty remains committed to providing a platform where experts, stakeholders, and students can exchange ideas on sustainable development. She expressed optimism that the dialogue initiated at the event would stimulate evidence-based research and promote linkages between the University, government institutions, and the agribusiness community.
The event was attended by Senator Saliu Mustapha, serving and former Vice Chancellors of the University, Council members, Deans and Directors, traditional rulers, academic and non-teaching staff, and a large turnout of students.
