By Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has expressed its readiness to collaborate with a German agricultural company, IAK Agrar Consulting, to advance greenhouse farming, agricultural research, extension services, and capacity development in Nigeria.
This was revealed on Monday, June 22, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of IAK Agrar Consulting, Mr. Sven Gehlhaar, and his delegation to the University. The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to explore areas of mutual interest, including vegetable and fruit production, greenhouse technology, agricultural research, and training.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Gehlhaar disclosed that the delegation’s visit to Nigeria formed part of a feasibility and prospect study aimed at identifying viable agricultural investment opportunities within the country. He noted that the company was particularly interested in evaluating high-value vegetable and fruit crops with strong market potential, as well as assessing greenhouse technologies and innovative agricultural practices suitable for large-scale production.
According to him, the visit also enabled the team to gain first-hand knowledge of FUNAAB’s strengths in agricultural research, seed development, extension services, and human capacity development. He added that future collaboration could extend to the employment of FUNAAB graduates, joint research initiatives, student internship programmes, and on-farm studies focused on enhancing soil fertility, crop productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde assured the delegation that the University possesses the requisite expertise, facilities, and human resources to support the proposed collaboration, particularly in greenhouse cultivation, vegetable production, and climate-smart agriculture.
Prof. Kehinde further disclosed that FUNAAB was strategically positioning itself as a leading centre for greenhouse farming and conservation agriculture in Nigeria. He revealed that the University has specialists in crop production, greenhouse management, and vegetable cultivation, adding that plans were underway to organise a major symposium and workshop on greenhouse farming to equip farmers and other stakeholders across Southwestern Nigeria with relevant knowledge and skills.
Highlighting the University’s extension mandate, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), has continued to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research findings and farming communities through the dissemination of agricultural innovations and technologies.
He further observed that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population presents enormous opportunities for increased fruit and vegetable production, while FUNAAB’s strategic proximity to Lagos, one of Africa’s largest commercial hubs, provides a significant advantage for agribusiness development and commercial agriculture.
The Vice-Chancellor also noted the growing adoption of greenhouse farming across Ogun and Lagos States, driven by increased investments and heightened interest among farmers and agribusiness operators seeking efficient and sustainable production systems.
The meeting was attended by the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi and the Director, AMREC, Prof. Jacob Olaoye; among others.
