FUNAAB Students Shine as Ultimate Agri-Contest 2.0, Uncovers Young Agricultural Innovators

By Femi Dansu

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, May 15, 2026, hosted the presentation of winners of the Ultimate Agri-Contest 2.0, a youth-driven agricultural initiative aimed at identifying, empowering, and promoting young agriculturists with innovative ideas capable of transforming agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, described the initiative as a visionary platform inspiring students towards excellence and innovation in agriculture. He commended the Convener, Mr. Sodiq Hassan, a 500-Level student of Animal Production and Health (APH), College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), for initiating and sustaining the programme.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the Ultimate Agri-Contest had come to stay, expressing optimism that future editions would continue to expand in impact and relevance. He stated that every great idea begins with a dream and vision, noting that the initiative had already become a reality capable of inspiring students, staff, and stakeholders within and beyond the University Community.

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He stressed that the programme reflected genuine engagement with the University system, demonstrating how students could contribute meaningfully to institutional growth while also being positively shaped by the University experience. He further remarked that the initiative showed that the convener and participants were truly making their impact felt within the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, encouraged students not to underestimate the value and opportunities in agriculture, describing it as a globally respected and profitable profession. He also congratulated all participants, urging those who did not emerge victorious to see the experience as part of their growth process and to return stronger in future editions.

Earlier, the Convener, Mr. Hassan, revealed that the Ultimate Agri-Contest 2.0 commenced about two months ago with orientation and screening exercises, during which 25 participants were reduced to 10 finalists. According to him, contestants were later given time to develop and present innovative agricultural and business-oriented ideas capable of addressing real-life agricultural challenges.

Some of the projects showcased during the competition included a mechanised farming tool developed by a student of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, rabbit manure production, and the conversion of fresh tomatoes into tomato powder, among other innovative solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The competition was sponsored mainly by NOLAP Farms Limited, with additional support from 5KG Farms. Mr. Hassan reiterated that the initiative had evolved into a movement that required sustained support through increased sponsorships and strategic partnerships to expand its reach and impact.

At the end of the contest, Dare-Ojo Victory Olumide, a 500-Level student of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, emerged overall winner and received a cash prize of N150,000. Agboola Isaiah Adebayo, a 300-Level student of Animal Breeding and Genetics, emerged first runner-up with N100,000, while Oniyide Kamaldeen Ayodeji, a 400-Level student of Animal Physiology, emerged second runner-up with N50,000.

Other participants received certificates of participation in recognition of their efforts and contributions. Among dignitaries present at the event was the Senior Deputy Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda, alongside some other members of the University Community.