The Federal College of Agriculture (FECA), Akure, has urged Nigerian farmers and young people to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to boost agricultural productivity and tackle food insecurity across the nation.
This call was made on Wednesday during FECA’s annual lecture and inter-departmental quiz organised by the Kites Press Club.
Dr. Ademola Ajayi, Head of the Department of Crop Production Technology, who was represented by Mr. Sergius Iheanacho-Nwokeji, delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Role of AI in Agriculture and Food Security.”
Ajayi emphasized that integrating AI into farming operations could eliminate manual constraints, enhance precision, and improve resource management.
“AI presents transformative opportunities to overcome agricultural challenges. Nigerian farmers cannot afford to be left behind,” he stated. “With tools like phones, drones, and laptops equipped with AI applications, farmers can increase output and manage resources more efficiently.”
He urged young Nigerians to see agriculture and technology as interwoven paths that could unlock the country’s economic future.
“You don’t need to leave agriculture to enter tech. Our young people can create a new generation of smart farms and modern food systems,” Ajayi said. “Nigeria’s prosperity lies in the hands of those we empower to farm, lead, and innovate.”
He further called on government agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, and farming communities to prioritize AI adoption in agriculture, stressing that it holds the potential to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, expand mechanisation, and ensure food affordability.
“If we enhance production, yields will increase. That will translate to higher output, making food more available and affordable,” he added. “With the right strategies, Nigeria can lead AI-powered agriculture in Africa.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Joshua Ayantayo, Coordinator of the Kites Press Club and lecturer in the General Studies Department, said the annual lecture and quiz were introduced to promote reading culture and deepen students’ understanding of AI’s role in agriculture.
“The goal is to help students see education as the key to success, rather than chasing quick wealth,” Ayantayo said.
Six departments participated in the quiz competition at both the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.
In the HND category, Animal Health and Production Technology emerged first, followed by Agricultural Extension and Management in second place, and Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering in third.
At the ND level, Animal Health and Production Technology also clinched the top spot, while Computer Science and Fisheries Technology secured second and third positions respectively.
