FUDMA alloccates farms to staff members to kick-start 2026 season
In line with its strategic commitment to enhancing staff well-being and supporting food production initiatives, the management of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), has commenced the allocation of farmlands to interested staff members for the 2026 farming season.
The initiative, approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman, is designed to encourage agricultural production, reduce food-related financial burdens on employees, and promote self-sufficiency within the University community.
Prof. Othman said that the scheme is not merely about land allocation, but a strategic intervention aimed at improving the welfare of staff, boosting food production, and enhancing overall food security among members of the University community.
“I urge all interested members of staff to take full advantage of this opportunity”, the Vice Chancellor said.
“Ensure you acquire the farmland allocated by the University for this year’s farming season. This is a practical step toward a healthier, more resilient workforce”, he added.
According to a memorandum signed by the Secretary of the Farmland Allocation Committee, Aminu Hassan Sada, and issued by the Committee Chairman, Professor Muhammad Ghazali Garba, all interested staff members are required to obtain an application form, and pay ₦15,000 per hectare,
The management encouraged staff to begin necessary preparations immediately, including early land clearance.
In a key directive aimed at ensuring the land remains usable for future seasons and does not interfere with University academic or infrastructural plans, the committee has placed a strict ban on the planting of long-cycle crops.
“Planting of long crops is strictly prohibited on the allocated farmland”, the memo explicitly warned, emphasising that “staff members are permitted to cultivate only short-growing crops such as cowpea, beans, groundnuts, and soybeans”.
It emphasized that all participating farmers must comply with the directive without exception.
Despite the VC’s enthusiasm and the affordability of the land, the Committee has expressed concern over low patronage so far.
Its Secretary, Aminu Hassan Sada, noted that “many staff members have yet to take advantage of the opportunity”, even though there is still available farmland awaiting allocation.
“Staff members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. There are still available offers of farmland for their own benefit”, Sada stressed.
Meanwhile, some of those who have gotten the allocation have urged the University to also provide mechanisation services at affordable rate
They requested that tractors be made available for land clearing and harrowing to help ease the physical burden of land preparation and ensure a successful planting season.
Additionally, Mukhtar Ibrahim Isah of the Department of Educational Foundation, raised concern about safety, calling for adequate security measures in the farmland areas to protect crops from theft and destruction.
With the 2026 farming season fast approaching, the University management is hopeful that increased participation will turn the initiative into a model for staff-supported agricultural schemes in Nigerian federal universities.
