Chinese investors partner FUNAAB on poultry hatchery project

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), is moving to establish a seven-hectare commercial hatchery farm with Chinese investors in a proposed partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s poultry industry and creating jobs.

The project, promoted by Olagen Agritech Nigeria FZE, will integrate breeder chicken production and egg hatching, with anticipated benefits including technology transfer, improved poultry production and enhanced food security.

FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, reaffirmed the university’s readiness to facilitate the project at a follow-up meeting with the prospective investors on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

He said the partnership would operate under a mutually agreed contractual arrangement, with the university open to lawful private-sector collaborations that advance agricultural development, research and innovation.

The proposed project follows a working visit by the investors to the university on September 22, during which both sides discussed land cooperation, implementation plans and the framework for the partnership.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expected to be signed soon, will outline the terms for developing and operating the hatchery farm, subject to agreement by both parties.

Beyond commercial production, the initiative is expected to provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity development and exposure to modern hatchery technologies and international poultry production practices.

The university said the partnership would also strengthen industry-academia collaboration and support practical agricultural education by connecting research and innovation with commercial farming.

If implemented, the project could contribute to youth employment, agricultural innovation and Nigeria-China cooperation in agriculture.

However, the project remains at the agreement stage, with implementation dependent on the final terms and signing of the proposed MoU.