Hybrid Feeds Strengthens Industry–Academic Linkage with ₦1.4m Donation to FUNAAB

News in Brief:

-Hybrid Feeds donated ₦1.4 million worth of animal feed to FUNAAB to support student training and strengthen industry–academic collaboration.

-The partnership will provide practical learning opportunities, including SIWES placements, contributing to skills development and Nigeria’s food security goals.

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has received a donation of animal feed worth ₦1.4 million from Hybrid Feeds Nigeria, in a move aimed at deepening collaboration between academia and industry while enhancing practical agricultural training.

The donation, facilitated through the University’s Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), was formally handed over on March 24, 2026. Valued at ₦1,400,036, the support comprised 80 bags of animal feed and was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Babatunde Kehinde, by the Director of COBFAS, Dare Akerele.

Prof. Akerele commended Hybrid Feeds for its commitment to youth development and adult training, describing the company as a strategic partner in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He noted that such interventions not only support teaching and research but also provide students with hands-on exposure critical for their future careers.

Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Industry

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Prof. Kehinde highlighted the importance of exposing students to real-world agricultural practices while still in school. He explained that collaborations like this enable students to gain practical knowledge in areas such as animal feed formulation and livestock management, skills that are often difficult to fully acquire through classroom instruction alone.

He further revealed that the Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Feeds, Leye Alayande, had committed to supporting training initiatives under COBFAS. This includes facilitating industry-led sessions and creating opportunities for students to interact with professionals actively working in the sector.

Such partnerships, according to the Vice-Chancellor, are essential for preparing graduates to meet the evolving demands of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, where technical competence and industry experience are increasingly required.

Driving Skills Development and Food Security

Industry–education linkages have become a critical component of agricultural development, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where food security remains a national priority. By aligning academic training with industry needs, institutions can produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also job-ready and capable of driving innovation.

Hybrid Feeds reaffirmed its commitment to this goal through its representative, Kolawole Ololade, who noted that the partnership would extend beyond donations to include training opportunities under the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and other capacity-building initiatives.

The collaboration, he added, aligns with the Federal Government’s broader push to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure sustainable food production.

Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of students, Farm Practical Year representative Ade Oluwapelumi expressed appreciation for the support, assuring that the resources would be effectively utilised.

The event concluded with the formal presentation of the feed, alongside branded materials, marking the beginning of what both parties described as a mutually beneficial partnership.