The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Nigeria has expanded its greenhouse farming and poultry production systems as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural research, agribusiness development and export-oriented food production.

During a campus inspection tour held on 22 May 2026, FUTA Vice-Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji said the university is positioning its agricultural operations for large-scale commercial production while integrating research, teaching and practical training.

The institution is expanding activities across greenhouse cultivation, poultry farming and agricultural value chains to improve food production systems and create hands-on opportunities for students and stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

FUTA Expands Greenhouse Farming Capacity

FUTA has completed 11 greenhouse structures measuring 5 by 30 metres each at its teaching and research farm.

The greenhouses are constructed with reinforced imported steel, assembled locally, and fitted with a locally designed drip irrigation system to support efficient water management and crop production.

Each greenhouse contains between 550 and 600 plants, mainly bell peppers and habanero peppers, with continuous cultivation already underway.

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

According to the university, students from FUTA and other institutions undergoing industrial attachment programmes are integrated into the greenhouse operations to gain practical exposure to greenhouse farming technologies and production management.

Greenhouse Pepper Production and Crop Varieties

Professor Olalusi explained that the F1 bell pepper variety cultivated in the greenhouse system is an early-maturing hybrid crop with bush-type growth that does not require staking.

The variety is reported to offer:

• Disease resistance
• Fruit widths of approximately 10–11 cm
• Fruit lengths of 11–12 cm
• Average fruit weights of 250–280 g

He noted that the variety is specifically suited for greenhouse cultivation and that FUTA is supporting farmers and agribusiness operators with technical guidance on greenhouse production systems for both small-scale and commercial farming.

Poultry Production and Feed Manufacturing Expanded

FUTA has also expanded its poultry production unit through the introduction of automated systems for egg production.

The university’s livestock division now includes 4,160 laying birds housed in newly installed battery cage systems within the teaching and research farm.

Feed for the poultry unit is produced internally by the university, supporting integrated livestock operations and reducing production costs.

The expansion forms part of FUTA’s broader strategy to strengthen practical agricultural training, food production and agribusiness development.

Federal Government and TETFund Support Agricultural Expansion

The agricultural projects are being financed through a combination of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) interventions, internally generated revenue and support from stakeholders and individuals within Akure.

Professor Oladiji also referenced a ₦1 billion federal government agriculture grant allocated to selected institutions, which supported the development of agricultural facilities at FUTA.

Infrastructure Development Supports Research and Training

During the inspection tour, university officials also reviewed several infrastructure projects aimed at improving learning, research and accommodation facilities across the campus.

The projects include:

• Akindeko Hostel, remodelled into 653 bed spaces across 145 rooms in eight blocks
• A Public Health Laboratory Museum for research and academic documentation
• A planned School of Nursing laboratory facility
• Newly constructed guest chalets for visiting researchers and academics

According to the university, these developments are intended to strengthen FUTA’s role in agricultural innovation, research collaboration and skills development in Nigeria’s growing agribusiness sector.

With increasing interest in controlled-environment agriculture and sustainable food production, FUTA’s greenhouse farming initiative highlights the growing role of universities in advancing climate-smart agriculture and export-focused agribusiness in Nigeria.