PROFESSOR ALUFOHAI URGES STRENGTHENED SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY AT LASU’S 7TH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FAIR

PROFESSOR ALUFOHAI URGES STRENGTHENED SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY AT LASU’S 7TH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FAIR

The Lagos State University, on Thursday, 9th October 2025, concluded its 7th Research and Innovation Fair with a resounding call for stronger collaboration to enhance sustainable agriculture, food security, and agro-innovation in Nigeria.

Delivering the keynote address at the closing ceremony held at the Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, the Guest Speaker, Professor Grace O. ALUFOHAI, a Professor of Agricultural Economics from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, emphasised the urgent need to strengthen existing agricultural systems through research, innovation, and sustainable practices.

Speaking on the topic “Strengthening Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security and Agro-Innovation in Nigeria”, Professor Alufohai highlighted that although sustainability frameworks already exist in the country, they remain fragile and require deliberate reinforcement to secure Nigeria’s food systems.

She stressed that sustainable agriculture must be backed by science, innovation, and policy support to guarantee long-term food security and economic stability. "Research should not just end in academic publications, but must be translated into real-life solutions for farmers, industries, and communities,” she noted.

The researcher also emphasised the key pillars of sustainable food security: availability, accessibility, utilisation, and stability, and called for stronger synergy between government, academia, industry, and communities to drive impactful outcomes.

On a final note, she posited that sustainable agriculture is the bedrock of sustainable food security, and that all production practices that advance sustainable agriculture, which includes smart agriculture should be encouraged.

Before the parallel scientific sessions commenced, the University Management, through the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Omotunde BOYO, presented a plaque of appreciation to Professor ALUFOHAI in recognition of her contribution to advancing the conversation around sustainable food systems in Nigeria.

Declaring the two-day event, and final day of the Fair open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola OLATUNJI-BELLO, ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Adenike Omotunde BOYO, commended the success of the first day of the Fair, describing it as “rich with meaningful discussions”, and expressed confidence that the second day would be equally impactful.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the best scientific presentations. The Best Innovation Product award in the innovation category was presented to a team comprising WUSU A. S., ANDREW O. I., OLABANJO O. A., MUSTAPHA R. A., ALAAFIA A. O., ADETUNJI B.S., and OLUMIDE O. M. , a tradition that celebrates research excellence within the LASU community.

The LASU Research and Innovation Fair continues to stand out as a vibrant platform for translating research into real-world solutions, fostering collaborations between town and gown, driving innovation, and amplifying the University’s position as a leading research hub in Nigeria.

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