How did your academic journey begin?
I’m a Professor of Plant Resources in the Department of Biological Sciences at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina. Over the years, I’ve served in numerous academic and administrative positions, starting as a Graduate Assistant and steadily climbing through the ranks, Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer I and II, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and now a full Professor.
I’ve also taken on roles such as level coordinator, examination officer, Head of Department, Deputy Director, and currently, I am a permanent member of the University Senate. My academic journey has been smooth and rewarding. I remained focused, consistent, and committed. I never missed a promotion cycle, each step came as a result of dedication, scholarly publications, and service to the academic community. It’s been a journey marked by discipline and purpose.
Have you faced any major setbacks along the way?
Every path has its share of challenges, but I consider myself fortunate. About 90 per cent of my journey has been smooth. Of course, I’ve faced funding delays, tight schedules, and the usual institutional challenges in Nigeria’s education system, but none of them deterred me. I was driven by purpose and resilience. No obstacle was too great to overcome and that’s why I’m where I am today.
You’re a full professor, yet actively involved in vegetable farming. Why farming?
Farming is not just a side interest, it’s part of my roots. I was born into a farming family; my father was a farmer, and I grew up fully immersed in that life. So, agriculture is in my blood.
More importantly, as a plant scientist, farming is a natural extension of my field. I don’t just teach theories in class, I apply them in the field. I experiment, innovate and implement solutions. It’s one thing to lecture about plant biology, but it’s another to apply that knowledge in growing food. For me, it’s a seamless connection – practical, logical and deeply satisfying.
When did this venture begin?
Many assume that I started recently, perhaps after becoming a professor, but I’ve been farming for over a decade. A quick scroll through my Facebook page reveals that I’ve been consistently advertising and selling farm produce for more than 10 years – grains, vegetables and seasonal crops. It’s only now that people are taking notice, likely because it’s uncommon in our society to see a professor actively farming. But for me, it’s a lifelong commitment.
What has farming contributed to your life materially?
It has changed my life in very tangible ways. Let’s be honest, no matter how much prestige the academia brings, our salary alone doesn’t guarantee financial freedom in this country. If you visit my home, you’ll realise that no professor’s salary, even over 20 years, could comfortably afford everything.
Farming pays. I drive a decent car, own large grain storage facilities, and run my operations professionally. Every year, I store hundreds of bags of grains. This business has made me economically independent. I am a living proof that agriculture, when taken seriously, is profitable.
Where do you farm and how large is your operation?
My primary farm is in Batsari, my hometown. But I also cultivate in other places, including the university farm. I deliberately diversify across locations with different soil types and climates to manage risk and boost yield.
I have eight permanent staff, not just casual labourers but full-time employees who rely on the farm for their livelihoods. In addition, I have marketers, dispatch riders and support staff. Altogether, more than 50 people work under my guidance, either directly on the farm or in support roles.
What do your colleagues and students think about your farming business?
Initially, some were surprised. But over time, they’ve come to understand that there’s no conflict between being an academic and a farmer. I’m a plant scientist so what’s odd about growing plants?
The problem is societal. In Nigeria, we’ve built a false divide between white-collar jobs and manual labour, but every honest work has dignity. What I do is not just professional, it adds value to my scholarship. I don’t just teach photosynthesis; I demonstrate it in the field.
Do you enjoy it? What’s the experience like for you?
Absolutely. Farming brings me joy and peace. Walking through the fields, monitoring growth and harvesting crops, is all deeply satisfying. I also enjoy mentoring. People on the farm and at the market always tell me how much they learn from me.
Just before this interview, a neighbour called to ask about which insecticide to apply before planting. I’m always ready to guide and support. When people say, “Professor, your farm looks different,” I smile, because science is at work.
What challenges do you face in this business?
The biggest challenge is seasonality. Crops like tomatoes and peppers are scarce during off-seasons, which drives up prices.
We’re tackling this through trials on off-season farming. With technology, irrigation, greenhouses and improved seed varieties, we’re exploring year-round production.
Climate change is another challenge. It forces us to constantly adapt and look for new, improved seedlings every season. This year, for instance, we’re still waiting for the rains even though it’s already late June. To stay on track, we’re sourcing fast-growing varieties. Without adaptation, farming becomes difficult.
How does your academic work influence your farm operations?
My farm is like an open-air lab. I apply my knowledge in every stage, soil testing, seed selection, pest management and storage. I assign real-life farm problems as research topics to my students, like pest control or drought resistance and we test practical solutions. If it works, I adopt it; if not, we revise. It’s research-backed farming, not guesswork.
I also study market trends to time my production cycles for better profit. That’s the power of informed planning.
Some people still view agriculture as a poor man’s job. What’s your take?
That mindset is damaging. Agriculture is the foundation of life. No food, no nation. Every sector – health, education, security – depends on food availability.
We need to elevate agriculture from a survival tool to a strategic investment. If treated with seriousness, it can create wealth, jobs and stability. It’s not small-scale, it’s nation-building.
What advice do you have for Nigerian youths who say there are no jobs?
Stop waiting for white-collar jobs; start something. There’s dignity in labour. Farming may get you dirty, but that’s temporary. Clean up, dress well and walk with pride. I do it all the time.
Whether it’s farming, tailoring or welding, just start. There’s no shame in honest work. Success begins with small, consistent steps.
Your message to the government?
The government must move beyond rhetorics. We need real support: access to credit facilities, improved extension services, research funding and favourable policies. Young farmers need land, quality inputs and market access.
If we’re serious about tackling unemployment and food insecurity, agriculture must be central to national development strategies.
Looking ahead, what are your personal and professional plans?
Academically, I’ve reached a milestone. Becoming a professor is a dream realised. But I’m not done, I’ll continue teaching, researching and mentoring.
In farming, I’ll remain active as long as my health allows. It’s not a side hustle, it’s a calling. I’m already mentoring students to follow this path. I want to raise a generation of scholar-farmers who will transform Nigerian agriculture through science with a sense of pride and integrity.
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