Ojukwu varsity partners Sarbjjack farms to boost food security

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, has taken a bold step to advance agricultural innovation and food security through plantation projects with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SARBJJACK FARMS.

The agreement is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the establishment of F1 hybrid plantain and Smooth Cayenne pineapple plantations within the university community.

Pat Nwume, representative of SARBJJACK FARMS during the event at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Hall, on Thursday, described the partnership as timely and impactful.

According to him, preliminary work on the project has already commenced, including land preparation through ploughing.

“We are here to set up plantain and pineapple plantations. We have done the preliminary by ploughing. We remain committed. The partnership is a good one and is going to be beneficial not only to the university but to the nation entirely,” he stressed.

Kate Azuka Omenugha, the Vice-Chancellor, in her remarks, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasising its academic and practical value to the institution.

Omenugha, a Professor, noted that the initiative aligned with the University’s vision of bridging theory and practice, particularly for students of the Faculty of Agriculture.

“It is our dream that our Faculty of Agriculture learns from this SARBJJACK FARMS initiative. I specifically called on the Dean of Agriculture to be present because I expect innovation and novelty from the faculty. I want them to surprise me,” she said.

She further highlighted the relevance of the project to global development priorities, referencing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Zero Hunger.

She reiterated the university’s commitment to promoting food security and contributing meaningfully to national development through strategic partnerships.

“The COOU–SARBJJACK FARMS collaboration is expected to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students, enhance research capacity, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, positioning the university as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation”, Omenugha added.