The Nigeria Food Security Scholars Programme (NFSSP), an initiative under the Nigerian Food Security Project (NFSP), has awarded project-based grants totaling N3,211,500 to 25 final-year students in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Abuja.
Research Focus Areas
The grants aim to support research-driven solutions addressing Nigeria's food security challenges. Key areas include agricultural supply chains, climate resilience, post-harvest loss reduction, sustainable food systems, and related fields.
Scholarship Presentation Ceremony
The award ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi; the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Akeem Oyerinde; Professor Abideen Abiodun Alarape, Head of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management and Chairman of the SCRIH Scholarship Selection Committee; members of the Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRIH); faculty members; and other stakeholders.
Executive Director's Remarks
The Executive Director of NFSP, Ajibola Oladiipo, emphasized that the initiative ensures research from higher institutions directly contributes to solving food security issues. He stated, "We strongly believe in the value of research and want to ensure that research emerging from academic institutions is grounded in the realities of food security challenges. Our goal is to encourage students to align their projects with practical solutions that can contribute to addressing food security issues. We are committed to funding and scaling solutions that are commercially viable."
Dean's Perspective
Professor Oyerinde noted that the initiative aligns with efforts to combat food insecurity through research and innovation. He explained, "The primary goal of this initiative is to address food insecurity in Nigeria through research. We selected 25 outstanding students who will receive support to work on issues including women and youth participation in agriculture and post-harvest loss reduction." He described the programme as the first of its kind at the university, highlighting its importance for student development and institutional advancement. The students have been organized into thematic research clusters and are conducting studies expected to yield practical insights for the agricultural sector.
Programme Structure
Under the programme, students will carry out their research projects under faculty supervision, with quarterly coaching and review sessions organized by SCRIH. The project is an initiative of SCRIH, focused on advancing agricultural research, innovation, and human capital development. Through partnerships with tertiary institutions and stakeholders, the project seeks to support practical solutions that strengthen food security, improve agricultural productivity, and reduce post-harvest losses across the country.
