The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has entered into a tripartite partnership with the Maripha Empowerment Foundation (MEF) and Passion of Hope International (PHI) to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture through a new initiative known as the Farmer Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem Development (FEED) programme.
Passion of Hope International (PHI), a United States-based non-profit organisation, focuses on sustainable development and empowerment programmes across Africa. The collaboration aims to transform agricultural education, enhance food sovereignty, and address food insecurity in Nigeria through practical and research-based solutions.
The agreement, which was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), designates Maripha Farms as a Research and Incubation Centre. The farm will serve as a living laboratory for regenerative agriculture, innovation, and agribusiness training.
It was recalled that on November 5, 2025, the new Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Ogunlade Israel, led a team of faculty representatives on an inaugural visit to Maripha Farms — a 15-acre integrated organic farm located in Kwara State — to begin operationalising the FEED programme. The initiative builds upon the foundation laid by the former Dean, Prof. Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawoye, whose leadership was central to establishing the partnership framework.
“This partnership was born from a shared ambition to redefine agriculture in Africa — focusing on food sovereignty, regenerative practices, and youth empowerment,” one of the signees said.
The FEED programme is designed to close the gap between academic research and field experience by integrating student training, applied research, and community-based agribusiness development. It provides students with real-world experience in sustainable food production, enabling them to drive innovation within Nigeria’s agricultural systems.
A representative of Passion of Hope International (USA) noted: “Under the steadfast leadership of Dean Ogunlade Israel and with the continued support of Vice-Chancellor Egbewole, this partnership is poised to yield transformative outcomes.”
Beyond academic enrichment, FEED directly responds to Nigeria’s food security challenges by nurturing a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs who understand both the technical and business aspects of sustainability. The programme encourages regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health, restore degraded lands, and strengthen local food systems to ensure long-term food sovereignty and climate resilience.
For students, the FEED programme offers mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities to innovate and create green jobs, fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders. “To every young person considering agriculture: this is your moment to lead the real green revolution Africa has been waiting for. Agriculture is not just about planting crops — it’s about planting hope, innovation, and independence. The future of Africa’s food system begins here,” the Director of Maripha Farms said.
The Maripha Empowerment Foundation (MEF) is a Nigerian non-profit organisation promoting ecological literacy, regenerative agriculture, and youth empowerment. Through Maripha Farms, MEF implements agroecological practices that advance applied research, agribusiness incubation, and sustainable food production across Nigeria.
