Nigeria must embrace applicable technology that will reduce the cost of fish feed in order to attain self-sufficiency in fish production and harness its large ocean resource for export.
Oluwayemisi Adeparusi, a professor of fish nutrition, made this advice during the 142nd Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, titled ‘Feeding Fish: An Art.’
Professor Adeparusi stated that “there is a need to reduce fish feed cost using locally available sustainable ingredients; improve their storage through preservation, and teach fish farmers how to bring such ingredients together” in order to improve the quality and quantity of fish production in Nigeria.
According to the lecturer, the first step in improving the fortunes of Nigeria’s fish farming business is to lower the high and often exorbitant cost of fish feed.
She advocated for the creation of a feed design laboratory and a working high-tech fish feed mill in various colleges around the country, particularly in places where fish farming is common.
She noted that such a laboratory would lead practical research and serve as hubs for innovation and sustainability in the animal feed industry, with companies and partners from both inside and outside actively participating in the construction and operation of such a structure with a shared interest and profit.
The stability of agricultural systems has been harmed, according to Adeparusi, as a result of the rising occurrence of droughts exacerbated by climate change.
Farmers must therefore seek out alternative sources of protein when feeding fish, according to her.
Adeparusi, a former member of the Commission on Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), also recommended the adoption and use of solar energy to replace epileptic power and the improvement of water quality to prevent pest infestation.
The first female professor in FUTA’s School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT), also advocated for the creation of consulting opportunities for fish farmers at higher education institutions such as FUTA, where students can learn and gain practical skills and exposure for future capacity building.
Professor Joseph Fuwape, the vice-chancellor who presided over the event, characterized the instructor as a valuable contribution to the university.
He praised Professor Adeparusi’s great delivery and expertise shared with would-be fish farmers, describing her as a leading light and mentor to rising academics in her field of study.
