FUTA expands greenhouse farming, targets agrobusiness and export

At the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Nigeria, greenhouse production, livestock systems, and campus infrastructure projects have been expanded alongside research and training activities focused on food production systems and applied agriculture.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, stated during a campus tour on 22 May 2026 that the institution is positioning its agricultural units for large-scale production and export-oriented operations. She noted that FUTA is combining research, teaching, and production activities across greenhouse farming, poultry, and related value chains.

© FUTA

Greenhouse production system
FUTA has completed 11 greenhouse structures measuring 5 by 30 metres each. The structures are constructed with reinforced imported steel, locally assembled, and equipped with a locally designed drip irrigation system.

Each greenhouse contains between 550 and 600 plants, primarily bell pepper and habanero pepper. The greenhouse units are already in use for continuous cultivation.

The greenhouse programme is supervised by Professor Ayo Olalusi, with Professor Kehinde Jaiyeoba and Professor Jav Olumurewa involved, together with students participating in operational activities and training components.

The university reported that students from FUTA and other institutions on industrial attachment are integrated into the greenhouse activities for exposure to production processes and operational practices.

Crop variety and cultivation approach
According to Professor Olalusi, the F1 bell pepper variety used in the system is an early maturing hybrid type with a bush-type growth pattern that does not require staking. The reported characteristics include disease resistance, fruit size of approximately 10–11 cm width and 11–12 cm length, and a weight range of 250–280 g.

He stated that this variety is suited for greenhouse propagation only. FUTA indicated it is providing guidance to farmers and other stakeholders on greenhouse cultivation for both small-scale and larger-scale production systems.

© FUTA

© FUTA

© FUTA

Poultry production and feed operations
FUTA reported expansion of its poultry unit, which has been reactivated with automated systems for egg production. The livestock section is operating with battery cage systems, including the addition of 4,160 layers installed in new automated housing units within the teaching and research farm.

Feed used in the poultry unit is produced within the university system.

Agricultural funding and programme scope
The agricultural expansion is supported through multiple funding sources, including interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), internally generated revenue, and support from individuals and stakeholders in Akure.

The Vice-Chancellor also referenced a ₦1 billion agriculture grant allocated by the federal government to selected institutions, which was used to support agricultural facilities at FUTA.

© FUTA

© FUTA

Infrastructure projects on campus
During the tour, several infrastructure projects were inspected, including:

Akindeko Hostel, remodelled to 653 bed spaces across 145 rooms in eight blocks, including a common room, reading room, and mini mart
A Public Health Laboratory Museum, remodelled for research, learning, and documentation
A planned School of Nursing laboratory, in addition to an existing Medical Laboratory Science facility
Newly constructed guest chalets for visiting academics and researchers
Funding for these projects was drawn from TETFund interventions, internally generated revenue, and contributions from individuals and local stakeholders.

Source: FUTA