Unilorin Professor Endows ₦1.5m Prize for Outstanding Agriculture Students

Prof. Sidiqat Aderinoye-Abdulwahab of the University of Ilorin has endowed ₦1.5 million to reward top agriculture graduates and used her inaugural lecture to advocate for sustainable pastoral reforms in Nigeria.

In a strong commitment to academic excellence and agricultural development, Prof. Sidiqat Aderinoye-Abdulwahab of the University of Ilorin has endowed a ₦1.5 million prize for the institution’s top graduating students in agriculture.

Delivering her inaugural lecture titled “Sustainable, Smart and Safe Pastoralism in Nigeria,” the professor from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development announced the donation as a personal initiative to inspire academic achievement — particularly among women in the field.

“To give back and support future generations, I am pledging ₦750,000 for the best male graduating student over the next 10 years — in honour of my husband for his unwavering support,” she stated.

“Another ₦750,000 goes to the best female graduate in memory of Hajiya Fauziyah Ali, who inspired me during my PhD journey.”

Beyond the financial gesture, Prof. Aderinoye-Abdulwahab used the platform to advocate for reforms in Nigeria’s pastoral system. She called on the Ministry of Livestock Development to implement educational programs for herders and create conflict mediation units to manage tensions between farmers and pastoralists.

She emphasized the urgency of developing effective policies to revive grazing reserves and promote ranching, pointing to the environmental and security risks tied to unmanaged pastoral practices. According to her, a multifaceted approach is essential to address the social, economic, and ecological challenges confronting pastoralism in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: UNILORIN Student Breaks World Record with 31-Hour Mathematics Lecture

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GUARDIAN