By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The way out of the current food crisis in Nigeria would be the subject matter as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo would this week deliver the institution’s historic 111th Inaugural Lecture.
Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Planning Committee, Professor Peter Esuh, told newsmen in Uyo on Monday that the landmark lecture is expected to spark a critical national conversation on why Nigeria continues to struggle with food insecurity despite its vast agricultural resources.
The lecture, the first to be delivered by a sitting Vice-Chancellor of the university, would be chaired by Professor Leo Daniel, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi. (FUTIA).
Esuh said 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 favorable climate, and a robust farming culture,” Esuh, who is also Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, assured.
He described 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” Are the country’s farming systems outdated or inefficient? 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?” Esu said.
He explained that the inaugural lecture series is a time-honored academic tradition where professors showcase their research contributions and intellectual depth.
Emphasizing its significance, Esuh said, “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.”
He further noted that ; “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.”
The University of Uyo therefore extend an open invitation to government officials, private-sector stakeholders, agricultural experts, and the general public to attend and engage in this crucial dialogue.
