The Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA has recorded the first harvest from its greenhouse habanero pepper cultivation project, marking a significant milestone in the University's drive towards innovative and sustainable agricultural production. The habanero and its precursor ,bell Pepper , produced from the University green houses are sold to ready buyers in Lagos , Akure and Ibadan who in turn sell them to retailers and super market chains all over the country.
The harvest of the improved hybrid habanero variety of pepper, demonstrates the potential of greenhouse technology to enhance crop productivity and improve yields. While presenting the harvest to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji the duo of Professor Omokehinde Jayeoba and Professor John Olumurewa, members of the supervising team, explained that the improved hybrid pepper varieties which are sweet and edible in their raw state are capable of producing bigger harvests than conventional cultivation methods and are very rich in Vitamin C.
The pepper seedlings were transplanted in May 2026 and comprised other varieties cultivated under controlled greenhouse conditions.
The produce was harvested from two greenhouse units located within the University. The harvest is expected to support FUTA's agricultural research, training and commercial farming initiatives.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Oladiji noted that the successful harvest underscores the effectiveness of greenhouse farming in ensuring improved crop performance, better quality produce and increased food production, adding that the University is expected to continue expanding its greenhouse farming as part of efforts to promote modern agricultural practices and strengthen food security.
Oladiji also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to combating food insecurity through innovative agricultural initiatives, research advancement, and modern farming technology. The Vice-Chancellor said the institution was strategically positioning itself for large-scale agricultural production and possible export-driven operations.
She said FUTA has completed the construction of new Green House structures and they are already being deployed for continuation of specialized farming. The 11 New structures of 5 by 30 metres were built with reinforced imported steel ,locally assembled and are being irrigated using locally designed and installed Drip system. Each of the Green Houses which are already in use contain 550 to 600 plants for Bell pepper and Habanero pepper production. The supervisory team for the project is Led by Professor Ayo Olalusi and supported by Professor Kehinde Jaiyeoba with Professor Jav Olumurewa alongside some of their students.
FUTA’s growing investments in agriculture were aimed at providing practical solutions to national food challenges while also creating opportunities for skill acquisition and economic growth. She disclosed that the university had expanded its agricultural facilities with the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), particularly in the areas of poultry production, feed milling, and greenhouse farming.
She praised the effort of the Federal Government for including FUTA on the list of beneficiaries of the N1Billion agriculture grant for institutions which she noted was responsible for the agricultural boost in FUTA.
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