Ekiti Government Allocates 50 Hectares of Farmland to EKSPOLY to Boost Food Security and Agricultural Training

The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to allocate 50 hectares of land to Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, to support large-scale agricultural activities, practical training, and food production initiatives within the state. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen food security, promote agricultural education, and deepen collaboration between government and tertiary institutions.

This assurance was given by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, during a courtesy visit by the management of the Polytechnic to his office on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, where an expression of interest was formally submitted.

Representing the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Sunday Osinkolu Ajeigbe, the Deputy Rector, Dr. E. A. Ajayi, led a delegation of senior officials to engage the Ministry on strategic partnership opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner emphasized the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Polytechnic, describing the institution as a critical partner in the state’s agricultural development agenda. He noted that policies of the Ekiti State Government strongly encourage collaboration between educational institutions and the agricultural sector to drive sustainable food production and economic growth.

According to him, the proposed allocation of 50 hectares of farmland will enable the Polytechnic to expand its agricultural programmes, improve hands-on training for students, and contribute significantly to commercial farming and food supply within Ekiti State.

In his remarks, the Deputy Rector highlighted the institution’s vision to become a major agricultural hub and food bank for the state. He explained that the Polytechnic intends to leverage its academic expertise, existing farm structures, and mechanization capacity to establish a large-scale commercial farm that will serve both educational and economic purposes.

He stated that the initiative would provide students with practical, market-driven agricultural skills, promote research and innovation in modern farming techniques, and enhance sustainable agricultural practices that can improve food availability across the state.

The Commissioner further assured the Polytechnic that the Ministry would increase collaboration with its Mechanization Unit in 2026, recognizing the unit’s potential contribution to advancing mechanized farming and improving agricultural productivity in Ekiti.

He commended the leadership of the Polytechnic for its proactive engagement and strategic vision, assuring them of continued institutional support from the state government.

Members of the delegation from the Polytechnic included the Head of Department, Agricultural Technology, Dr. M. A. Akinsuyi; Head of Mechanization Unit, Dr. Olayemi Olaosebikan; ASUP Chairman, Dr. T. A. Dada; Deputy Director of the Polytechnic Farm, Dr. C. A. Fayose; and the Polytechnic Public Relations Officer, Mr. Martins Olowoyo.