Tertiary institutions must play role in eliminating hunger in Nigeria, says OOU VC

Ayodeji Agboola, the vice chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state says the institution is committed to achieving food security and sufficiency.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Agboola said achieving food security is one of the goals of the ISEYA agenda of the Ogun government.

He said academic institutions must play vital roles in driving agricultural development and eliminating hunger in the country.

The vice chancellor called on the ministry of agriculture to provide land for staff and students to engage in active farming.

“We want to key into agriculture. We want to be a part of those who will solve the problem of hunger,” he said.

“I know that the governor, being the chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and being at the forefront of the issue, is passionate about agriculture.”

Agboola spoke of the security temperature on the OOU campus.

The VC said the school management has developed a conflict-solving mechanism that ensures lasting peace on campus.

He noted that students are not violent if they are treated fairly by the staff and management.

Agboola said the introduction of biometric identity cards and the installation of closed-circuit cameras are some of the measures taken by the institution to ensure peace.

He added that the cordial relationship between the management, staff, and students of OOU has led to the stability of the institution’s academic calendar.

“Because of what we have been able to do, cultism has been reduced to a zero level here. We have a counselling unit, and our students are always engaged,” he said.

“I have discovered that students are not violent most of the time. If you oppress students, they will find a way to react negatively.

“We also make sure that we take care of their interests. We discuss them more often at the Senate, and they see that objectivity is present in what we are doing.”