...Says 20% Of Lagosians Face Hunger
The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, has raised alarm over the rising rate of food insecurity in Lagos State, revealing that nearly 20 percent of residents suffer from hunger and malnutrition.
Prof. Odusanya made this known on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during the College of Agriculture Day held at the Agric Hall of the university.
Speaking before an audience of academics, students, and agricultural stakeholders, the Vice Chancellor cautioned against complacency in addressing food system challenges, warning that inaction could have severe consequences for the state’s growing population.
“Do not let complacency set in. We suffer almost a 20 percent rate of food insecurity and violation. Some of us hear this and yet more persons are affected ourselves,” Odusanya said.
He commended the university’s academic departments for securing full accreditation for their programmes, noting that this achievement strengthens the institution’s capacity to produce graduates equipped to tackle real-world agricultural problems.
The Vice Chancellor expressed hope that future editions of the College of Agriculture Day would evolve into a university-wide, capacity-building programme, leveraging the institution’s strengths in science and engineering to drive solutions in food production.
“I do sincerely hope that the next time around will be a capacity-wide programme around me,” he added, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address food insecurity.
The event highlighted the role of agricultural education in national development and called for renewed urgency in tackling hunger across Lagos State.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Dean of the College, Prof. Olubunmi Agbebi, highlighted the institution’s shift from theory to tangible output.
“We have some of our products — the palm oil, the egg, everything — to show us the day, and we are sharing all this: our plant, also the masses of our fruits, to show that this is a college that is eating from all great things,” Agbebi said.
She noted that students and staff had actively raised plantations across the university’s agricultural spaces, making it possible to harvest and share produce.
“We have held up our hands on our plantations. Whatever you want to buy, pay attention to all our plantations. Thank you very much,” she added.
The Dean acknowledged the presence of the Vice Chancellor and university officers, noting the collaborative effort between faculty and students.
“This is a day that brings together the Vice Chancellor, the students, and our officers. We are sharing to show that we are eating from our labours,” Agbebi said before inviting the Vice Chancellor to deliver a speech.
The annual College of Agriculture Day serves as a platform to exhibit research, practical farming outputs, and agribusiness readiness of LASUSTECH students.
