List of Federal Universities in Oyo State 2024

Oyo is a state in south-western Nigeria. It's known as the "Pacesetter State" due to its historic political influence on the country. The state capital is Ibadan, which is also Nigeria's largest city by geographical area. Oyo State is home to several federal universities, including The University of Ibadan, Nigeria's oldest university.

The National Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT) - Agricultural Research

NIHORT is one of the specialized institutes under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, responsible for conducting research into various aspects of horticulture. NIHORT provides critical research-based information and technologies needed to improve horticultural production, processing, storage, marketing and utilization in Nigeria.

1. Crop Improvement and Protection

Researchers at NIHORT work to improve yields and quality of horticultural crops through breeding and selection. They also aim to develop sustainable crop protection methods against diseases, pests and environmental stresses. Some of their achievements include developing improved varieties of tomato, pepper, okra, leafy vegetables, citrus, mango, and cashew.

2. Postharvest Physiology and Technology

Maximizing the shelf life and quality of horticultural produce after harvest is key. NIHORT studies postharvest handling techniques like proper harvesting, sorting, cleaning, waxing, packaging, transportation and storage conditions to reduce losses and spoilage. Recommendations from their research have helped farmers and traders reduce postharvest losses of crops like tomato, pepper, leafy greens, and citrus.

3. Nutrition and Food Science

At NIHORT, food scientists analyze the nutritional composition of horticultural crops and study processing techniques to develop new food products. Some of the food products developed at NIHORT include mango bar, zobo bar, and vegetable-based snacks. The Institute has also produced a ‘Nutrient Composition of Nigerian Foods’ handbook, detailing the nutritional content of over 200 foods commonly consumed in Nigeria.

List of Federal Universities in Oyo State

1. University of Ibadan

Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan is the oldest university in Nigeria. It has over 30,000 students and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like arts, sciences, education, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and law. The university has residential halls of residence, staff quarters, and recreational facilities like sports complexes, theaters, and a botanical garden.

2. Federal University Oye-Ekiti

Located in Oye-Ekiti, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) was established in 2011. It currently has over 15,000 students enrolled in programs across six faculties - arts, education, law, sciences, social sciences, and agriculture. FUOYE aims to promote access to university education for people in Ekiti and neighboring states. The university is set on a scenic hilly site with modern facilities for teaching, research, and accommodation.

3. Federal University of Technology Akure

Popularly known as FUTA, the Federal University of Technology Akure was founded in 1981. It specializes in technological education and has about 25,000 students. FUTA offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as agriculture, engineering, earth sciences, management sciences, and food science technology. The university has a large expanse of land in the northern part of Akure with imposing physical infrastructure comprising academic areas, staff quarters, student hostels, administrative blocks, and recreational facilities.

Conclusion

These federal universities in Oyo state provide high-quality and affordable education to students from Nigeria and beyond. Though relatively young, they have developed impressive infrastructure and programs for developing skills and knowledge in science, technology, and other fields that can help drive development in Nigeria.