By Charles Nwoke
The Directorate of Agribusiness and Incubation Centre, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, has kicked off commercial food production. This marks a key achievement in the two-month-old administration of Professor Michael Awoke as Vice Chancellor of the university.
The initiative aligns with the People’s Charter of Needs policy of the Ebonyi State Government, led by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Visitor to the university.
According to Professor Simon Nwibo, Director of the Centre, the project targets large-scale production of rice, maize, and cassava, alongside the generation of foundation seeds from breeder seeds. These seeds will be sold to seed companies and individual farmers.
Professor Nwibo said the project will give students hands-on experience in commercial farming, improve their practical skills, and boost their employability. He added that the centre will also serve as a hub for research and innovation to improve crop yields and food systems while generating revenue for the university.
He commended Professor Awoke for restructuring the centre. The Vice Chancellor merged the Agribusiness Unit with the Incubation Centre and introduced several critical reforms. These efforts, Nwibo said, have repositioned the centre as one of the best in Nigeria and beyond.
He noted that the centre, previously limited to rice production, has now finalized plans for commercial-scale production and processing of maize and cassava into garri and chips.
Speaking on the significance of the centre, Mr. Bartholomew, Principal Farm Officer of EBSU, revealed that the university holds a unique mandate from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. EBSU is the only institution in the South-East and South-South zones authorized to produce foundation seeds from breeder seeds.
Mr. Bartholomew explained that although the centre had existed in a limited capacity since 2009 and was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2012, it was Professor Awoke who transformed it into a fully commercial agribusiness through strategic mergers and support.
He said the project will help provide affordable, high-quality food to the university community and surrounding areas. It will also serve as a major source of internally generated revenue for the university.
He urged farmers in Ebonyi and neighboring states to buy their foundation seeds and rent mechanized farming tools from the centre. These include tractors of various sizes, fertilizer applicators, hand-powered tillers, weeders, and cleaning machines, all at affordable rates. He also encouraged the public to purchase the university’s processed milled rice, known for its high quality and nutritional value.
Members of the university community described the project as timely and impactful, especially in a period where food security remains a national concern. They expressed hope that it would strengthen local food systems and support the university’s financial sustainability.
The centre offers several services, including foundation seed production and sales, rice processing, farm equipment rental, as well as teaching, research, and consultancy services.
