By Rasaq Afeez
The Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has achieved a significant breakthrough in its drive toward food security with the successful harvest of 16 bags of bell peppers from its greenhouse farm.
Speaking during the harvest on Wednesday September 24, 2025, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, described the initiative as part of the institution’s contribution to the vision of both the Federal and State governments to tackle food insecurity across the country.
Dr. Abdul explained that the greenhouse farm is not only aimed at boosting food production but will also serve as a practical training ground for students studying agriculture in the polytechnic. According to him, the facility will empower students with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient and gainfully employed after graduation.
“This project aligns with government efforts to ensure food security. Beyond production, it gives our students the hands-on experience they need to be job creators rather than job seekers,” the Rector stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajiya Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, commended the management of the polytechnic for what she described as a “forward-thinking initiative.” She urged students to maximize the opportunity by putting classroom knowledge into practice.
“Huge achievements have been recorded under Dr. Abdul’s leadership, and this greenhouse project is one of them. It is a legacy that those coming behind will build upon,” the Commissioner said.
Dignitaries present at the harvesting event included the Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. Lawal Babatunde Abdulqadir; DR Admin, Dr. Mrs. Felicia Awolola; Director of Works, Arch. Tunde Karatu, Polytechnic’s Bursar, Mr. Muhammed Baba Ibrahim, Polytechnic’s PRO, Hajia Halima Garuba, Director MIS, Dr. AbdulRahman Tosho Abdulahi, and the Head of Mass Communication Department, Alhaji Fatiu Olohungbebe, also graced the event.
The greenhouse farm, established as part of Kwarapoly’s commitment to agricultural innovation, is expected to expand into other crops in the coming months, further strengthening efforts to combat food insecurity in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
As students of Agricultural Technology, we commend Kwara Poly for this remarkable milestone in greenhouse farming. Harvesting 16 bags of bell peppers not only showcases the potential of controlled environment agriculture but also reinforces the role of technology and innovation in achieving food security. This initiative serves as a practical model for sustainable production and a motivation to us as future agricultural professionals. We look forward to more institutional efforts like this that bridge theory with practice.🧑🌾💚