has said that the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, Science and
Technology (MOEST) is working out the modalities to partner with Ekiti
State University (EKSU) on the management of the Aquaponics Facility
at the Gifted Academy International School, Afao Ekiti.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Foluso
Daramola, made this disclosure in Afao-Ekiti, when the Management of
EKSU paid a visit to the Aquaponics Facility.
According to the Commissioner, the facility could be used to grow
fish, fruits, and vegetables, in a climate-controlled green house and
indoor environment.
He added that the Aquaponics system allowed for year-round production
of fish and crops, without needing soil and regardless of the existing
climatic conditions.
Mr Daramola said the facility was one of the projects funded by the
World Bank, through the State Education Programme Investment Project
(SEPIP).
He noted that the Aquaponics system was an integration of aquaculture
and plant breeding, and that the installation in Ekiti State would
give a rare training opportunity to students of Agricultural Science.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-
Ekiti, Professor Eddy Olanipekun, commended the State Government for
putting up the project, adding that it would go a long way to enhance
teaching and research for both the lecturers and students of his
Institution.
He thanked the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology for
coming up with the idea of partnering with his institution on the
effective management of the facility.
Professor Olanipekun added that the University would benefit immensely
from the joint management of the Centre.
Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
Education Science, and Technology, Mr James Owolabi, some Directors of
the Ministry, Management Staff of EKSU, and a representative of the
host community, Chief Laolu Omosilade.
The Commissioner also paid a courtesy visit to the Kabiyesi Alafao
of Afao Ekiti.
