Origin Tech Group Endows First-Ever Professorial Chair in Agriculture at Obafemi Awolowo University

L-R: 1)Mr. Olusesan Ayeni, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Origin Tech Group
2)Prof Adedayo Olufemi Ajayi, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, OAU.
3)Prince S.J. Samuel, Executive Chairman, Origin Tech Group
4)Prof A.S Bamire, Vice Chancellor, OAU
5) Prof E.O. Akinfala, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, OAU
6)Dr .Owolabi

FIRST-EVER PROFESSORIAL CHAIR IN AGRICULTURE AT OAU

Ile-Ife, Nigeria – Origin Tech Group has announced the endowment of the Origin Tech Group Professorial Chair in Agriculture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, marking the first professorial chair in agriculture to be established at the University. 

The landmark endowment underscores Origin Tech Group's commitment to advancing agricultural innovation, strengthening research capacity, and supporting the development of sustainable solutions to Nigeria's food security and agribusiness challenges. 

The Chair will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, knowledge creation, and industry-academia collaboration, fostering innovation in areas such as agricultural technology, climate-smart agriculture, value chain development, and sustainable food systems. 

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Prince S.J. Samuel, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, said: 

“Agriculture remains the backbone of national development and economic prosperity. By endowing this Professorial Chair at Obafemi Awolowo University, we are investing in the ideas, research, and talent that will shape the future of agriculture in Nigeria and across Africa. We believe that meaningful transformation of the sector must be driven by knowledge, innovation, and strategic partnerships.” 

The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Simeon Bamire, described the endowment as a milestone for the institution and a testament to the growing role of private-sector partnerships in advancing academic excellence and societal impact. 

“This generous investment by Origin Tech Group will strengthen our research capabilities, support scholarship and innovation, and contribute significantly to addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food systems.” 

The endowment reinforces Origin Tech Group's broader vision of supporting transformative initiatives in education, research, technology, and sustainable development. It also reflects the Group's belief that universities play a vital role in generating the knowledge and innovations needed to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods. 

As Nigeria seeks to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector, the Origin Tech Group Professorial Chair in Agriculture is expected to serve as a catalyst for research-driven solutions, policy engagement, and capacity building for future generations of agricultural leaders. 

About Origin Tech Group 

Origin Tech Group is a leading innovation and food systems diversified conglomerate in agriculture, engineering and construction, agribusiness, mechanisation, logistics and storage solutions dedicated to delivering transformative solutions across strategic sectors of the economy. Through investments in research, education, technology, and sustainable development, the Group is committed to creating long-term value and driving national progress. 

Media Contact 

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Origin Tech Group 
Email: corporatecomms@origingroupng.com 
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