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EXPERT ADVOCATES APPROPRIATE FARM PRODUCE PRICING REGIME TOWARDS AGRIC MODERNISATION AS LMU CLOCKS SEVEN
A doyen of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Professor Akinwumi Moses Omotayo, has on Friday 23rd March, 2018, advocated the provision of appropriate pricing for farm produce by government and development practitioners as a way of modernizing the agricultural sector.
Professor Omotayo made the call during his lecture titled, “Opportunities and Challenges of Modernized Agriculture in Nigeria: The Higher Education Perspective” which he delivered at the Landmark University’s 7th Founders Day celebration held at the Multipurpose Hall of the University. He said such appropriate pricing regime became imperative in order to avail farmers with a minimum guaranteed price on farm produce to boost their morale, production, yield and income.
Professor Omotayo decried the situation whereby Nigerian farmer subsidizes every consumer to the tune of between 50 and 1000 percent for different categories of commodities in the value chain. He said although the minimum guaranteed price scheme is already in place, saying that such had failed to address the problem of pricing comprehensively. “The average Nigerian farmer produces a cob of maize at N20 and is forced to sell it between N5 and N10. A major problem with agriculture in Nigeria, which requires a special attention by government and development practitioners is appropriate pricing of farm produce. More importantly, if agriculture must be modernized,” he said.
Professor Omotayo pointed out that threat associated with huge post-harvest losses was constituting a hindrance to modernizing agriculture and attaining food security in Nigeria. According to him, such losses have been estimated to be as high as 20 percent. He called for the active involvement of the nation’s 774 Local Government administrations in the governments’ Agriculture Transformation Initiative to achieve the desired result. “Some may argue that inadequate funding hampers Local Government involvement in agricultural development in Nigeria. It is on record that even when fund were available, Local Governments mismanaged their resources,” he said.
Professor Omotayo suggested the introduction of conditional grants not only to allow the Local Governments to actualize their constitutionally mandated roles and responsibilities and translate financial autonomy into active economic development at the grassroots level. This, he said, would also ensure that funds are located through such grants are specifically on projects they are meant to serve. He said there was disconnect between what tertiary institutions are teaching and the needs and demands of farmers, agro-industrialists and other practitioners in the agriculture sector. “There are three Federal Universities of Agriculture, over forty Faculties of agriculture, about 25 colleges of agriculture and 18 agriculture or related research institutes in Nigeria. With these in place, one would have thought that the framework for modernizing the sector is firmly entrenched. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. “There appears to be a mismatch or disconnect between the institutions teachings and the demand of farmers,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olayanju, in his welcome remark, had earlier stated that the institution’s vision was born out of a passion by Dr. David Oyedepo, the Chancellor of the University, for change from unsatisfactory status quo to unprecedented transformation of the black race in the scheme of development across the globe. “To God be the glory, Landmark University has been living its Vision and has over the years, distinguished herself with respect to excellent teaching and learning facilities. This also includes promoting mechanized agriculture and product development as well as fostering gainful value chains in agriculture” he added.
He listed the institution achievements to include deliberate expansion of the farm capacity in the areas of egg production, meat production, rice cultivation, and cassava processing unit. Others are collaboration with renowned farmers, reputable organizations, accomplished Agripreneurs, world-class universities in driving food sufficiency agenda. Professor Olayanju implored the gathering to make good use of the lecture for the actualization of the sustainable agricultural practice in the course of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.
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The 7th Founders Day Guest Lecturer, Professor Akinwumi Moses Omotayo during his lecture
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The Vice- Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olayanju giving his Welcome remarks at the Lecture
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The Registrar, Dr Azubuike Ezenwoke at the Opening of the 7th Founders day Lecture
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The Coordinator, CAVA II, Professor Kolawole Adebayo, giving his goodwill at the Landmark Universitys 7th Founders Day Celebration
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The Centre Manager of EXPhnology Incubation Centre (TIC), Abeokuta, Pastor (Dr.) John Oni, giving his goodwill at the Landmark Universitys 7th Founde
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The Director of Engineering, NCAM, Ilorin and National Coordinator, Sawah Eco-EXPhnology for Rice Farming (SERiF), Dr Yinka S. Ademiluyi, giving his g
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>A cross section of Students at the Universitys 7th Founders Day celebration
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Landmark University Management with Guests cutting the 7th Founders Day celebration cake
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A cross section of Students at the Universitys 7th Founders Day celebration
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A cross section of Invited Guests at the 7th Founders Day celebration
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The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayanju and his wife flanked by the Royal Fathers, Olomu-in-Council at the Cocktail marking the Universitys 7th Found
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A cross section of Invited Guests at the 7th Founders Day at the Cocktail
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LANDMARK UNIVERSITYS LIFE APPLICABLE EDUCATION SYSTEM RECOGNIZED AS MAX AFRICA LAUNCHES INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Landmark University's distinctive approach to education, centred on life-applicable and life-transforming learning, received validation this week when representatives from MAX Africa visited the institution to seek collaboration for their second internship program. The visit underscored the high regard organizations have for Landmark’s graduates, known for their competence and productivity in the workplace.
During the meeting, MAX Africa's Chief Technology Officer, Mr Olusegun Leigh, unveiled the company’s new internship initiative designed to empower young innovators and leaders in Africa’s mobility sector. Leigh expressed admiration for Landmark University’s alumni, who, he noted, have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and leadership within MAX Africa. He introduced Mr Kefas El-Olam, a graduate of Landmark University who is the Senior Product Manager, MAX. "Our first point of call for this new phase is Landmark University, primarily because of the exceptional value delivered by Landmark graduates who joined us in the first phase of the internship programme. Their resilience, ability to drive results, and leadership qualities have made a lasting impression," Leigh said, emphasizing how these qualities align with MAX Africa’s mission to address broader industry challenges by cultivating skilled professionals across the continent.
Adding to this, MAX Africa’s Digital Strategist, Mr Adewunmi Oshilaja, highlighted the soft skills and professionalism of Landmark’s graduates. “Beyond technical expertise, Landmark graduates have displayed strong leadership qualities and high standards of professionalism,” he stated. "The core of our strategy is to build well-rounded leaders. As much as we want our interns to gain hands-on experience, we are also committed to equipping them with skills in business communication, team management, and workplace etiquette.”
The upcoming three-month internship program was further detailed by MAX Africa's Human Resource Manager, Mrs Bosede Otaigbe, who described it as a transformative opportunity for participants. She noted that interns would receive intensive training in both technical and interpersonal skills vital for industry success. “Interns will be assigned responsibilities similar to full-time employees and will be evaluated at the end of the program. Those who excel will be offered full-time positions,” she announced. To facilitate applications, MAX Africa has provided QR codes for interested students, who will undergo a thorough screening process to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University expressed appreciation to MAX Africa for recognizing the university’s talents and choosing Landmark as a major recruitment partner. He attributed the leadership qualities displayed by students to the legacy of Chancellor Dr David Oyedepo and affirmed the university’s confidence in the students' readiness to embrace this opportunity. He also highlighted Landmark University’s recent recognition as Nigeria's second-best university in the Times Higher Education rankings, further showcasing the institution’s commitment to excellence.
The Registrar also conveyed gratitude to the MAX Africa team and assured them of Landmark University's full support in achieving the program’s goals. Other members of the university’s management expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, seeing it as a significant step towards advancing opportunities for students, the university, and Africa at large.
Others in attendance at the meeting were the Chaplain, Pastor Popoola; the Dean of Students, Dr Abimbola Oluyori; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Noah Olaibi; the Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel and the HRBP, Compensation & Benefits, and City Manager, Ilorin, MAX, Mrs Adebimpe Alabi.
Members of the Landmark University management and the Max Africa team in a group photograph after the meeting
R-L: The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole; the Registrar, Engr Adebayo Ajala; the Dean of Students, Dr Abimbola Oluyori; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Noah Olaibi during the meeting with Max Africa
MAX Africa's Chief Technology Officer, Mr Olusegun Leigh while speaking on the new internship programme
The Max team with the Landmark University Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel (L)
The Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel introducing Max Africa to the student community
Max Africa’s HR Manager, Mrs Bosede Otaigbe while speaking to the students of Landmark University on the internship programme
The Max Africa team interacting with Landmark University student community
Max Africa’s Senior Product Manager, Mr Kefas El-Olam while speaking to the students of Landmark University on his experience as a student of the University and during the internship programme
Registration point for Max Africa’s internship programme at Landmark University
