By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba has assured that the university will participate actively in the activities of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to revitalise the Nigerian livestock sector.
He gave the assurance while receiving on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, the Executive Secretary of the Committee, Professor Mohammed Yahaya, during a courtesy visit
He stated that the University of Ibadan, with its intellectual capacity and relevant infrastructure, will serve as a hub for the revitalisation of the Nigerian livestock sector.
He commended Professor Yahaya for putting the name of UI in the national consciousness with all his political appointments.
Professor Olapegba noted that Professor Yahaya has always performed creditably well and had always returned to the university, adding that his passion for UI had never been in doubt.
Professor Yahaya said he paid the courtesy visit to appreciate the university for releasing him and three others to render national service.
He said the work of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee has birthed the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and urged the University of Ibadan to take advantage of the opportunities that will be provided by the new ministry.
He advised the university to turn some of its landed property, which is presently fallow into pasture to provide forage for livestock.
He called for the revitalisation of the Teaching and Research Farm, which has the needed facilities to produce eggs in very large quantities.
Professor Yahaya also urged UI to address the insufficiency of maize to provide alternative animal feeds through research.
He said that the Presidential Committee will hold a conference for all stakeholders later this month in Abuja and invited UI to be part of the programme.
Professor Yahaya is an alumnus and a professor in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan.
