Food crisis: UNIUYO to suggests ways to tackle it

Ini Billie, Uyo

The University of Uyo will be offering suggestions of how Nigeria can tackle its food crisis.

The solutions will be proffered by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, on Thursday at the institution’s 111th Inaugural Lecture which has the theme: “Farming Systems in Nigeria: Wallowing in Food Insecurity Amid Abundance.”

Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Planning Committee, Professor Peter Esuh, stated that the landmark lecture would spark a critical national conversation on why Nigeria continues to struggle with food insecurity despite its vast agricultural resources.

Speaking on Monday in Uyo about the lecture, Esuh said it would be the first to be delivered by a sitting Vice Chancellor of the university, adding that it will be chaired by Prof. Leo Daniel, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi. (FUTIA).

He stated that the lecture is expected to bring together scholars, policymakers, agribusiness stakeholders, and the general public to examine Nigeria’s farming systems and their impact on national food security.

“The lecture will not only interrogate the current state of agriculture in Nigeria but also present research-driven solutions for overcoming food shortages in a country blessed with fertile land, a favourable climate, and a robust farming culture,” he said.

Esuh, who is the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, described Prof. Ndaeyo as a distinguished expert in farming systems and crop science, noting that the inaugural lecturer will leverage his decades of research to dissect the paradox of food scarcity amid abundance.

“With Nigeria’s agriculture sector still struggling to meet the demands of a growing population despite large-scale farming in several states, the lecture will address key concerns: Are the country’s farming systems outdated or inefficient?

Eshu said: “What role do government policies play in aggravating or alleviating food insecurity? How can Nigeria realign its agricultural practices with global best standards to ensure food sustainability?”

He explained that the inaugural lecture series is a time-honoured academic tradition where professors showcase their research contributions and intellectual depth.

“The 111th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Uyo is particularly important, as it presents an opportunity for Professor Ndaeyo of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, who is also the Institute’s Vice Chancellor to offer well-researched insights that could shape national policies on agriculture and food security.

“Nigeria’s food crisis is a pressing issue, with even agriculturally dominant states facing shortages. The lecture will examine whether the problem lies within farming systems or other socio-economic and political factors.

“By drawing from research and global best practices, Professor Ndaeyo is expected to offer practical strategies to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector and prevent the country from further sinking into food insecurity,” he stated.

Esuh, therefore, extended an open invitation to government officials, private-sector stakeholders, agricultural experts, and the general public to attend and engage in the crucial dialogue.