EKITI GOVT TO ALLOCATE 50 HECTARES OF LAND TO EKSPOLY FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

EKITI GOVT TO ALLOCATE 50 HECTARES OF LAND TO EKSPOLY FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

…Pledges Strong Partnership, Increased Support for Polytechnic’s Mechanization Unit.

The Ekiti State Government has assured Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, of the allocation of 50 hectares of land for agricultural purposes, as part of efforts to strengthen food security, practical agricultural education, and institutional collaboration within the state.

The assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, during a courtesy visit by the management of the Polytechnic to his office to submit an expression letter of interest on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Sunday Osinkolu Ajeigbe, was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Rector, Dr. E. A. Ajayi, who led a delegation of senior officers of the institution.

Receiving the delegation, Mr. Boluwade expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with Ekiti State Polytechnic, describing the institution as a critical stakeholder and a “baby” of the Ministry of Agriculture. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to policies that support collaboration between educational institutions and the agricultural sector.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is ready to work closely with Ekiti State Polytechnic. We recognize the institution as a strategic partner in achieving our food security goals, and we will continue to support initiatives that align with the state’s agricultural development agenda,” the Commissioner said.

Mr. Boluwade disclosed that the proposed allocation of 50 hectares of land would enable the Polytechnic to expand its agricultural activities, enhance practical training, and contribute meaningfully to agricultural production in the state.

Earlier, the Rector, through his representative, Dr. Ajayi, had sought the intervention and support of the Ministry of Agriculture in strengthening the Polytechnic’s agricultural programmes and commercial farming initiatives. He explained that the institution is working towards becoming an agricultural hub and food bank for Ekiti State, leveraging its academic expertise, farm structures, and mechanization capacity.

According to him, the establishment of a large-scale agricultural commercial farm would provide hands-on learning opportunities for students, support research and innovation, and promote sustainable agricultural practices, while also contributing to food availability and economic growth in the state.

“The Polytechnic is committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice. With the support of the Ministry, we aim to equip our students with practical, market-relevant agricultural skills and also contribute to the state’s food sufficiency drive,” Dr. Ajayi stated.

In his response, the Commissioner further promised that the Ministry would engage the Polytechnic’s Mechanization Unit more actively in 2026, noting that its expertise would be valuable in advancing mechanized farming and improving agricultural productivity across the state.

He commended the management of the Polytechnic for its vision and proactive engagement, assuring them of continued collaboration and institutional support.

Members of the Polytechnic delegation included the Head of Department, Agricultural Technology, Dr. M. A. Akinsuyi; Head of Mechanization Unit, Dr. Olayemi Olaosebikan; ASUP Chairman, Dr. T. A. Dada; Deputy Director, EKSPOLY Farm, Dr. C. A. Fayose; and the Polytechnic PRO, Mr. Martins Olowoyo.