As Kwarapoly flags off sale of harvested maize
By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State government has reiterated that it would continue to encourage and give necessary support to all state-owned tertiary institutions in their quest for excellence and enhanced service delivery.
The State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Ronke Arinde, gave this assurance at the flag off of the sale of the first tranche of maize produced from the Polytechnic’s commercial farm at a subsidised rate to the public.
Dr. Arinde, who described Kwara State Polytechnic as a pace setter in many respects, applauded the exemplary efforts of the management in redefining academic boundaries and venturing into the realm of sustainable agriculture, adding that
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is also making concerted efforts at ensuring food security in the State.
She said: “I, therefore, applaud the enviable initiative of the Polytechnic, which is not only enhancing the institution’s self-reliance but also contributing to the larger agricultural landscape of the state. This is in line with the present administration’s policy thrust to reduce hunger and foster agricultural development in the State.
“This event is a testament to the Polytechnic’s dedication to fostering agricultural development and promoting self-sufficiency within the educational community.
“While commending the management of the Kwara State Polytechnic for the agric project initiative, I wish to encourage the management to grow other grains for public consumption. I also challenge other tertiary institutions in the State to take a cue from the Kwara State Polytechnic’s noble and worthy deed.”
Earlier, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, had disclosed that, aside from complementing the efforts of the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq in ensuring food security and sustainability in the State, the farm project is also meant to expose the students of the Polytechnic to the practical aspect of their field of study.
He added that the Polytechnic is also using the farm as a means of checkmating encroachment on its land, thereby affording the institution an opportunity to demonstrate its expertise in agricultural production.
The Rector disclosed that out of the 129 bags of maize from the first batch of harvest, two bags have been set aside for processing into products such as custard,
and maize flour.