• Cocoa, oil palm plantations underway: Rector

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has intensified efforts to diversify its revenue base and deepen practical learning for students with the commencement of commercial cassava harvesting at its institutional farm.

The maiden harvest, held at the polytechnic’s commercial farm in Ilorin, marked a significant step in the institution’s drive to combine academic training with agricultural entrepreneurship while supporting food security in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists during the harvest, the Rector of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, said the institution deliberately ventured into commercial agriculture to reduce dependence on government funding, create additional income and expose students to practical farming experience.

According to him, agriculture remains a critical sector capable of generating employment, increasing food production and driving economic development.

“What we are witnessing today is just the beginning. Agriculture provides enormous opportunities for employment, ensures food availability and serves as a reliable source of income. That is why we have decided to invest in it,” the Rector said.

Mohammed disclosed that the institution had already embarked on large-scale cultivation of cassava and maize, while simultaneously developing cocoa and oil palm plantations as part of a broader agricultural expansion programme.

According to him, the tree crop projects are designed as long-term investments that will continue to benefit the institution well beyond the tenure of the current administration.

“We have started with cassava and maize, and we have also expanded to cocoa and oil palm plantations. These are investments that will outlive this administration because good leadership is about planning beyond your tenure,” he said.

The Rector added that the Department of Food Science and Technology would process farm produce into finished products to maximise value addition and strengthen the institution’s internally generated revenue.

“I want to assure you that our Food Science and Technology Department has been charged with the responsibility of processing all these farm produce. In the coming years, we expect to see products such as Polytechnic palm oil, cocoa products and several processed food items produced right here by the institution,” Mohammed stated.

He further revealed plans to establish a distinct institutional brand for products including cassava chips, palm oil and cocoa-based products, expressing confidence that the initiative would improve students’ practical knowledge while opening new income streams for the polytechnic.

The Rector noted that proceeds from the cassava harvest would be reinvested to sustain and expand the commercial farming project, stressing that profitability in agriculture requires patience because of the huge initial investment involved.

“In every investment, there is always a starting capital. We do not expect to recover everything within one farming season because land clearing alone takes a significant portion of the cost. With time, however, we will break even and begin to generate profit,” he explained.

Mohammed commended the Kwara State Government for providing agricultural equipment to support the project, noting that the intervention had reduced production costs and improved operations on the farm.

He also disclosed that students are actively involved in the farming activities as part of their practical training, describing the initiative as a blend of academic learning, research and entrepreneurship that will position the institution as a leader in agricultural innovation among tertiary institutions.

Also speaking, Chairperson of the Kwara State Polytechnic Commercial Farm and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Engr. Ruth Modupe Bayeri, described the maiden cassava harvest as a landmark achievement for the institution.

She praised the Rector for supporting the project from its conception and ensuring its successful implementation.

“I want to welcome everyone here today. This is a significant occasion for us, and I want to say a few words of appreciation to our Rector for believing in this vision from the beginning. He gave his full support to make this day a reality,” Bayeri said.

She expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the harvest, saying it has justified the institution’s investment in commercial agriculture.

“We are not disappointed, and I am sure the Rector is also not disappointed with what we have achieved,” she added.

Bayeri explained that beyond revenue generation, the commercial farm was established to equip students with practical agricultural skills while contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural development.

She expressed optimism that the successful cassava harvest would encourage further expansion of the institution’s farming activities and strengthen its commitment to innovation, skills acquisition and commercial agriculture.