UNIMAID VC CALLS ON INDIVIDUALS TO DOUBLE EFFORTS ON FOOD SECURITY 

The Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, has called on individuals and governments to double their efforts in addressing food security challenges, including climate change, evolving technologies, and widespread food insecurity in the country 

He made the call during a one-day conference organised by the Faculty of Agriculture university of Maiduguri titled "Beyond Agriculture" with the theme "Creating Change and Solving Problems in Food Insecurity," held on Thursday the 17th April, 2025, at the Muhammadu Indimi Conference Centre of the university.

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that farmers and governments should find solutions and adopt strategic innovations to tackle food security. He noted that food security extends beyond traditional farming practices, requiring the involvement of technology. He also highlighted the pressing challenges of climate change, evolving technologies and widespread food insecurity in developing countries.

He therefore said, addressing food insecurity requires farmers, federal, state governments and stakeholders to broaden their understanding of agriculture and its interconnected systems. He added that this is crucial for overcoming food security and climate change challenges, particularly in the Northeast, where agriculture serves as a lifeline for the people, rather than just an occupation.

He then said that the University of Maiduguri is dedicated to teaching, research, and community service, and is integrating cutting-edge agricultural technologies, including smart farming techniques, biotechnology, and sustainable practices, into its academic and research frameworks.

The convener of the conference, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, called on the youths and women in the agricultural sector to play a vital role in addressing food security and ecological challenges. He then urged the students to adopt technology and innovations in agriculture and livestock production to drive progress in these sectors.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Abubakar Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of nutrition alongside production, emphasizing the role of agricultural output in improving national food security. He then, thanked the University of Maiduguri management for their support in hosting the conference and the organizers for ensuring its success.