Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) is positioning itself as a functional seed hub for Lagos, Ogun, and neighboring states, following successful field trials in seed yam production.
The initiative, facilitated in partnership with IITA-GOSEED, has already delivered promising results. According to Dr. Gabriel A.S. Benson, Acting Head of the Department of Crop Science, vine cuttings performed as expected, while mini-tubers produced healthy tubers weighing over 200 grams. He confirmed that the university’s management, including the Vice-Chancellor, has expressed strong interest in scaling the project.
Assistant Lecturer Akeem Oluwasegun, who coordinated the program, emphasized that the project is transforming agricultural education at LASUSTECH. “Students have moved beyond classroom theory into real hands-on practice. They are learning seed multiplication, nursery management, and basic agribusiness planning. With management support, LASUSTECH is ready to function as a seed hub,” he said.
Students themselves attest to the impact. Final-year student Ogandje Blessing explained that the project helped her understand how mini-tubers reduce space, cost, and seed scarcity. Another participant, David Sejero, noted his surprise at how vine cuttings could produce healthy seedlings on small plots, encouraging farmers to adopt the method for sustainable production.
Julius Taiwo of IITA-GOSEED highlighted the broader vision: to prepare students as certified seed entrepreneurs capable of running their own seed businesses. Demonstrations were established to raise awareness of innovation in seed yam production and to strengthen seed systems across the region.
As climate change, pests, and declining soil quality threaten traditional nurseries, the Seed Yam Aeroponics (SAH) technology offers a climate-smart alternative for producing clean planting materials. By improving the quality of seeds farmers plant, the initiative is expected to boost yields, create agribusiness opportunities for young people and women, and reinforce food security in Nigeria.
For LASUSTECH, the project is more than an agricultural experiment it is a strategic step toward becoming a regional hub for seed innovation and entrepreneurship.
Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) is positioning itself as a functional seed hub for Lagos, Ogun, and neighboring states, following successful field trials in seed yam production.
The initiative, facilitated in partnership with IITA-GOSEED, has already delivered promising results. According to Dr. Gabriel A.S. Benson, Acting Head of the Department of Crop Science, vine cuttings performed as expected, while mini-tubers produced healthy tubers weighing over 200 grams. He confirmed that the university’s management, including the Vice-Chancellor, has expressed strong interest in scaling the project.
