In a remarkable gesture to promote excellence in agricultural education, Professor Sidiqat Aderinoye-Abdulwahab of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, has endowed a ₦1.5 million prize for the institution’s best graduating male and female students in agriculture.

The announcement was made during her 289th inaugural lecture, titled “Sustainable, Smart and Safe Pastoralism in Nigeria.”

Professor Aderinoye-Abdulwahab explained that ₦750,000 would be awarded to the best male graduating student in honour of her husband, whom she described as a pillar of support throughout her academic journey.

Another ₦750,000, she added, would go to the best female graduating student, in memory of Hajiya Fauziyah Ali, who encouraged her to pursue a PhD.
“This is my way of giving back to society and inspiring future generations of agriculture students, especially women,” she said.

Beyond the donation, the professor used the lecture to call for reforms in pastoralism. She urged the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development to prioritise educating pastoralists and establishing conflict mediation units to address clashes between farmers and herders.

She further called on policymakers to implement pastoral policies that would strengthen grazing reserves and ranching practices.

Tracing the history of herding and migration, Aderinoye-Abdulwahab said conflicts between farmers and herders are not new, citing the biblical story of Cain and Abel as a metaphor for competition over scarce resources.

“Migration remains a fundamental feature of pastoralism, but its impact on host communities often includes land pressure, cultural differences, overpopulation, and social disorganisation—all of which trigger conflict,” she noted.

She stressed that addressing Nigeria’s pastoralism challenges requires a multifaceted approach, balancing livelihood, environmental, and social security concerns.

Quoting scripture, she concluded: “As we strive for sustainable, innovative, and safe pastoralism in Nigeria, let us remember the words of our creator: And He created the cattle for you; in them is warmth and numerous benefits, and from them you eat.”