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…Hands over site for Ultra-Modern Agri-Research Lab, Demonstration Farm
From Felix Ikem Nsukka
In a major boost to agricultural innovation and food security research, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has officially handed over the project site for the construction of a state-of-the-art Research Laboratory and Demonstration Farm, valued at ₦2.5 billion.
The landmark project, funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), following the approval of President Bola Tinubu, was attracted through the strategic advocacy of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Simon Ortuanya.
The facility is poised to revolutionize practical agricultural training, agribusiness research, and technological innovation within the institution.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by an Israeli project execution team, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the grant reflects UNN’s unwavering commitment to driving impactful research that addresses national challenges.
“By creating a nexus where advanced laboratory research meets practical demonstration, UNN is positioning itself to lead Nigeria’s drive toward sustainable food security and agricultural technology. We are immensely grateful to TETFund for recognizing and supporting our vision”, Ortuanya said.
Following the courtesy call, the Vice-Chancellor directed the University’s Physical Planning Unit to formally hand over the project site to the designated contractor, Afri-Fruits Limited, managed by an Israeli.
The official site handover took place along the road of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UNN in the presence of key university officials, including the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture.
According to the Director of the Physical Planning Unit, Dr Ekwelem Okechukwu, the contractor is mandated to commence mobilization and construction work immediately.
The Managing Director of Afri-Fruits Limited, Mr Reuven Cohen, expressed deep appreciation to the university leadership for the opportunity to partner on such a legacy project.
He assured management that the construction would be executed strictly in accordance with international standards and approved technical specifications, ensuring timely delivery.
The University Management has pledged its full cooperation and administrative support to guarantee seamless project execution.
Once completed, the ultra-modern Research Laboratory and Demonstration Farm will serve as a premier hub for cutting-edge agro-research, equip students with critical hands-on entrepreneurial skills, and foster high-impact collaborations between academia and the global agricultural industry.
