…As FUNAAB Holds 111th Inaugural Lecture
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu_
A Professor of Soil Physics from the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Johnson Adesodun, has described the establishment of the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR as a laudable move towards strengthening sustainable agriculture and food security in the country.
Delivering the 111th Inaugural Lecture of the University today, March 25, 2026, Prof. Adesodun noted that the initiative, anchored on the development of soil testing laboratories and a national soil information system, represented a significant policy direction under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed the need for sustained political will and timely implementation to achieve its intended impact.
Speaking on the title, “Sustainable Society with Quality Soil Physical Environment as Siamese Twins,” the Don emphasised that soil remains a critical natural resource that must be properly managed for both present and future generations. He called on policymakers to prioritise soil health as a key component of national development planning.
According to him, the physical quality of soil plays a fundamental role in sustainable agriculture, environmental stability, and climate resilience, yet it has historically received limited attention in public policy. He urged governments at all levels to reposition soil management as a central pillar of economic and agricultural strategies.
Prof. Adesodun, the pioneer Rector of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, Ekiti State, further highlighted the need for targeted government interventions to support farmers in adopting sustainable soil management practices. While noting that conservation techniques yield long-term benefits, he pointed out that high initial costs often discourage smallholder farmers, hence the need for financial incentives and enabling policies.
Advocating a multi-stakeholder approach, he stressed that effective soil management requires collaboration among government institutions, researchers, extension agents, and farming communities. He also cautioned against adopting uniform strategies, recommending context-specific solutions tailored to different ecological zones.
On technological advancement, the Soil Scientist called for increased investment in soil monitoring systems and digital innovations, including mobile applications, artificial intelligence, and data-driven tools to enhance soil analysis and decision-making. He added that such innovations must be complemented by structured training programmes for farmers.
Earlier in his Introductory Remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended Prof. Adesodun for his distinguished academic and administrative contributions, describing his career as impactful and exemplary.
Dignitaries at the event included the 6th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako; former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Prof. Abayomi Fasina; former Ag. Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin; and the Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, among others.
