The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has officially handed over the project site for the construction of a state-of-the-art research laboratory and demonstration farm, valued at ₦2.5 billion, to Afri-Fruits Limited, managed by an Israeli.
The landmark project, which has been described as a major boost to agricultural innovation and food security research, is funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
DrumAfricanews gathered that the fund came following the approval of President Bola Tinubu after it was attracted through the strategic advocacy of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya.
Our correspondent gathered from sources at UNN that the facility is poised to revolutionise practical agricultural training, agribusiness research, and technological innovation within the institution.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by an Israeli project execution team, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the grant reflects UNN’s unwavering commitment to driving impactful research that addresses national challenges.
According to Ortuanya, “By creating a nexus where advanced laboratory research meets practical demonstration, UNN is positioning itself to lead Nigeria’s drive toward sustainable food security and agricultural technology. We are immensely grateful to TETFund for recognising and supporting our vision.”
The vice-chancellor also directed the university’s physical planning unit to formally hand over the project site to the designated contractor, Afri-Fruits Limited, managed by an Israeli.
DrumAfricanews reports that the official site handover took place along the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine road in the presence of key university officials, including the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture.
The director of the physical planning unit, Dr Ekwelem Okechukwu, said that the contractor is mandated to commence mobilisation and construction work immediately.
The Managing Director of Afri-Fruits Limited, Mr Reuven Cohen, expressed deep appreciation to the university leadership for the opportunity to partner on such a legacy project.
Mr Cohen assured management that the construction would be executed strictly in accordance with international standards and approved technical specifications, ensuring timely delivery.
The university management has pledged its full cooperation and administrative support to guarantee seamless project execution.
DrumAfricanews reports gathered that once completed, the ultra-modern research laboratory and demonstration farm will serve as a premier hub for cutting-edge agro-research, equip students with critical hands-on entrepreneurial skills, and foster high-impact collaborations between academia and the global agricultural industry.
