Sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria in the 21st century: The role of the university

In 1914, approximately 1.6 billion people lived on the earth surface. By the year 1955, that number had grown to 5.7 billion. Today, in 2015, the world population is approaching 7.2 billion people. Each year, the human race is expected to increase by nearly 100 million, necessitating the need for more food production, especially of quality animal protein. In Nigeria, about 65 % of the over 140 million people are engaged in agriculture directly and indirectly, and mostly live in the rural areas; yet, the country cannot adequately feed its populace with agriculturally-produced foods using available modern technology. Also, consumption of animal protein in Nigeria and in Sub-Sahara Africa is grossly inadequate. This is because Nigeria’s agricultural development is stunted by a myriad of teething problems and challenges. Sustainable food production is indeed a big problem in Nigeria and the sub-Sahara Africa. The role of the universities would be to rise up to the challenge of developing a more viable strategy for holistic developmental process in the rural areas that will be at par with the monumental scientific discoveries of the 21st century. Hence, the university should act as advisors, implementers and partners in the implementation of rural agricultural development programmes and plans.