Varsity Don Blames Hunger On Youths’ Neglect Of Agriculture

Acting head of the Computer Engineering Department of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Dr Dayo Sobowale, has blamed the high cost of food prices in Nigeria on the neglect of the agriculture sector by the younger generation.

He spoke at the Entrepreneurship Studies and Innovation Training Programme organised by Osun State University (UNIOSUN) with the theme: Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship: The Imperative of Curriculum Review National Development.

Sobowale said in the past, the first faculty in most universities used to be agriculture but in recent times, youth are not interested in the agriculture sector which he said has affected the food production in Nigeria.

He called on the government to support the youths with the necessary equipment to take advantage of technology and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector to reduce hunger in Nigeria.

The vice chancellor of the university, Professor Clement Adebooye, urged institutions to prioritise the development of digital competencies among students, noting that they will be better equipped to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven global market.

He said, “Technology is driving our world, and the most significant driver is artificial intelligence, which is essential in the computer and digital economy.”

The VC noted that by building digital skills in line with the demands of AI industries, “we will not only improve the global economy but also enhance food production and other critical sectors.”