The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has taken a step toward advancing specialized agriculture by completing 11 new greenhouse structures, each measuring 5 by 30 metres. Built with reinforced imported steel and locally assembled, these greenhouses are equipped with a locally designed drip irrigation system to support soilless cultivation of Bell peppers and Habanero peppers, with each unit accommodating 550 to 600 plants. The substrates for the soilless system have been prepared, and the nursery is set to commence operations under the supervision of Professor Ayo Olalusi, alongside Professors Kehinde Jaiyeoba, Jav Olumurewa, and selected students.
Speaking on the project, Vice Chancellor Adenike Oladiji emphasized FUTA's commitment to contributing to national food security initiatives aligned with President Bola Tinubu's agenda. She stated, "This is the time to teach our students profitable ways to contribute to feeding the nation. We will also extend this knowledge to interested farmers." Professor Oladiji further noted that the expansion addresses growing market demand for peppers and positions FUTA to support both training and commercial production, potentially even on an export scale.
© Federal University of Technology Akure
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted that the initiative has attracted additional agricultural grants to the university, which will support operationalization of the greenhouses and other agricultural projects. She commended the construction company for timely delivery, as well as university staff, including Professors Olumurewa, Jaiyeoba, and Olalusi, and Engineer Boyinbode, Director of Physical Planning, for their supervision and coordination.
© Federal University of Technology Akure
Professor Olalusi elaborated on the F1 Bell pepper variety, describing it as an early-ripening hybrid with bushy growth that does not require staking. Its attributes include disease resistance, vigorous growth, sweet flavor, and fruit dimensions of 10–11 cm in width by 11–12 cm in length, weighing 250–280g. He emphasized that this variety is suited exclusively for greenhouse propagation, and FUTA is prepared to guide farmers and students in both small- and large-scale cultivation.
© Federal University of Technology Akure
The professors noted that the university intends to maintain greenhouse production to serve its immediate environment, while exploring partnerships for large-scale production that could generate significant revenue. According to Professors Olumurewa and Jaiyeoba, the project exemplifies FUTA's ability to translate academic research into practical, marketable products, reinforcing its status as a leading institution in both innovation and applied science.
With these greenhouses operational, FUTA is poised to expand its agricultural footprint, training the next generation of farmers, supporting food security, and opening pathways for commercial and export-oriented farming ventures. This landmark achievement positions the university as a model for integrating research, education, and practical agriculture for sustainable development.
Source: The Nigeria Education
