The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maripha Empowerment Foundation (MEF) and Passion of Hope International (PHI) to launch the Farmer Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem Development (FEED) initiative aimed at strengthening food security in Nigeria.

Passion of Hope International (PHI) is a US-based non-profit organisation promoting sustainable development and empowerment programmes across Africa.

The programme — an initiative born from a tripartite partnership — seeks to transform agricultural education, advance food sovereignty, and strengthen food security in Nigeria.

The agreement, formalised in an MoU signed by UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), designates Maripha Farms as a Research and Incubation Centre to serve as a living laboratory for regenerative agriculture, innovation, and agribusiness training.

It was recalled that on 5 November 2025, the new Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Ogunlade Israel, led a delegation of faculty representatives on an inaugural visit to Maripha Farms — a 15-acre integrated organic farm in Kwara State — to operationalise the FEED programme.

The initiative builds on the visionary foundation of the former Dean, Prof. Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawoye, whose leadership was instrumental in 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 bridges the gap between academic research and practical field experience, combining student training, applied research, and community-based agribusiness development. Through this hands-on model, students will gain real-world experience in sustainable production while contributing to innovation in local food systems.

A representative of Passion of Hope International (USA) stated: “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 addresses Nigeria’s food security challenges by cultivating a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs who understand both the science of production and the business of sustainability. The programme promotes regenerative farming practices that improve soil health, restore degraded lands, and strengthen local food systems — laying a foundation for food sovereignty and climate resilience.

For students, FEED offers purpose, practice, and potential — providing mentorship, practical skills, and opportunities to innovate, create green jobs, and lead Africa’s sustainable food transformation.

“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.

Maripha Empowerment Foundation (MEF): A Nigerian non-profit advancing ecological literacy, regenerative agriculture, and youth empowerment through agroecological practices. Maripha Farms serves as the implementing farm for MEF’s initiatives, providing a living laboratory for applied research, agribusiness incubation, and hands-on training.