Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has intensified efforts to diversify its revenue base and strengthen practical learning for students with the commencement of commercial cassava harvesting at its institutional farm.

The maiden harvest, held on Thursday at the polytechnic's commercial farm in Ilorin, marks a major milestone in the institution's drive to combine academic training with agricultural entrepreneurship while contributing to national food security.

Speaking with journalists during the harvest, the Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, said the polytechnic deliberately ventured into commercial agriculture to reduce dependence on government funding, generate additional revenue and provide students with hands-on farming experience.

He described agriculture as a strategic sector capable of creating jobs, increasing food production and driving economic growth.

"What we are witnessing today is just the beginning. Agriculture provides enormous opportunities for employment, ensures food availability and serves as a reliable source of income. That is why we have decided to invest in it," the Rector said.

Dr Mohammed disclosed that the institution has already embarked on large-scale cultivation of cassava and maize, while also establishing cocoa and oil palm plantations as part of its agricultural expansion programme.

According to him, the tree crop projects are long-term investments that will continue to benefit the institution beyond the tenure of the current administration.

"We have started with cassava and maize, and we have also expanded to cocoa and oil palm plantations. These are investments that will outlive this administration because good leadership is about planning beyond your tenure," he said.

The Rector revealed that the institution had planted 1,000 cocoa seedlings and 1,000 oil palm seedlings as part of the expansion initiative.

He added that the Department of Food Science and Technology has been tasked with processing farm produce into finished products to maximise value addition and increase the institution's internally generated revenue.

"In the coming years, we expect to see products such as Polytechnic palm oil, cocoa products and several processed food items produced right here by the institution," he said.

Dr Mohammed also disclosed plans to establish a distinct institutional brand for products including cassava chips, palm oil and cocoa-based products. He expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance students' practical knowledge while creating new revenue streams for the polytechnic.

He explained that proceeds from the cassava harvest would be reinvested to sustain and expand the commercial farming project, noting that agricultural investments require patience because of the high initial capital involved.

"In every investment, there is always a starting capital. We do not expect to recover everything within one farming season because land clearing alone takes a significant portion of the cost. With time, however, we will break even and begin to generate profit," he explained.

The Rector commended the Kwara State Government for providing agricultural equipment to support the project, saying the intervention had reduced production costs and improved farming operations.

He further disclosed that students are actively participating in farming activities as part of their practical training, describing the initiative as a blend of academic learning, research and entrepreneurship that would position the institution as a leader in agricultural innovation among tertiary institutions.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Kwara State Polytechnic Commercial Farm and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Engr. Ruth Modupe Bayeri, described the maiden cassava harvest as a landmark achievement.

She commended the Rector for supporting the project from its conception and ensuring its successful implementation.

"I want to welcome everyone here today. This is a significant occasion for us, and I want to appreciate our Rector for believing in this vision from the beginning. He gave his full support to make this day a reality," Bayeri said.

She expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the harvest, saying it had justified the institution's investment in commercial agriculture.

"We are not disappointed, and I am sure the Rector is also not disappointed with what we have achieved," she added.

Bayeri said the commercial farm was established not only to generate revenue but also to equip students with practical agricultural skills while contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural development.

She expressed optimism that the successful cassava harvest would encourage further expansion of the institution's farming activities and strengthen its commitment to innovation, skills acquisition and commercial agriculture.