The Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, North Central Nigeria, has intensified efforts to diversify its revenue base and strengthen practical learning by expanding commercial agriculture, with the institution recording its maiden cassava harvest as part of a broader strategy to promote food security and entrepreneurship.
The Rector of the institution, Mr. Abdul Mohammed disclosed this while addressing journalists during the first cassava harvest at the polytechnic’s commercial farm in Ilorin.
He said the initiative was designed not only to improve the institution’s internally generated revenue, but also to equip students with practical agricultural skills and create long-term investments that would benefit future generations.
According to the rector, agriculture remains a critical sector capable of creating jobs, improving food production and driving economic growth.
“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,” Mohammed said.
He revealed that the polytechnic had already commenced commercial cultivation of cassava and maize, while extending its agricultural investments to cocoa and oil palm plantations.
The rector explained that the tree crop projects were conceived as legacy investments that would continue to generate value beyond the tenure of the current management.
“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 stated.
Mohammed disclosed that the institution’s Department of Food Science and Technology had been assigned the responsibility of processing harvested produce into marketable products, including cassava chips, palm oil and cocoa-based products.
He said the institution was also working towards establishing a recognised brand for its processed agricultural products, expressing confidence that the initiative would create additional revenue streams while enriching students’ practical learning experience.
The rector noted that proceeds from the maiden cassava harvest would be reinvested to expand the farming project, explaining that commercial agriculture requires a significant capital outlay before profits can be realised.
“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 said.
Mohammed commended the Kwara State Government for providing agricultural equipment, saying the support had reduced production costs and improved farming operations.
He also disclosed that students were actively participating in the commercial farming project as part of their practical training, describing the initiative as a blend of academic learning, research and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking during the harvest, the Chairperson of the Kwara State Polytechnic Commercial Farm and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Engr. Ruth Bayeri described the maiden cassava harvest as a landmark achievement for the institution.
She commended the management, particularly the rector, for supporting the commercial farming initiative from its conception.
According to her, the successful harvest has demonstrated that the institution’s investment in commercial agriculture is already yielding positive results.
She expressed confidence that the maiden harvest would pave the way for the expansion of farming activities and further strengthen the institution’s commitment to agricultural innovation, skills acquisition and sustainable food production.
