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A University Don delivers a compelling message on humane poultry farming and innovation
A Professor of Monogastric Animal Production at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Olufemi Olubunmi Egbewande, has advocated a humane and science-driven approach to poultry farming, urging farmers to develop what he described as “platonic love” for chickens as a strategy for improving productivity, animal welfare, and sustainable agriculture.
Delivering the Institution’s 28th Inaugural Lecture titled “Platonic Love for Chicken,” Professor Egbewande explained that platonic love in poultry production refers to deep care, attention, and emotional commitment devoid of exploitation, emphasizing that chicks should be treated with the same level of affection and responsibility as human infants, particularly during their critical early stages of life.
The Professor stressed that proper brooding, hygiene, constant monitoring, and emotional attachment are not optional but essential practices that determine survival and growth rates in poultry farming. He warned that negligence such as poor sanitation, lack of warmth, and failure to isolate sick birds remains a major cause of mortality, placing responsibility squarely on farmers rather than external factors.
Drawing from personal experiences and research, Egbewande highlighted the economic and nutritional importance of chicken, noting its high protein value and relevance in addressing food security. He also presented innovative research on alternative feed resources, including processed mango seed kernel and agricultural by-products like maize offal and sorghum residues, as cost-effective substitutes to conventional feeds.
According to him, these alternatives not only reduce production costs but also improve growth performance when properly processed, offering practical solutions to the rising cost of poultry feed in Nigeria.
Professor Egbewande outlined several practical and economic benefits of poultry production, stressing that chicken rearing goes beyond food supply to impact overall human wellbeing.
He described poultry farming as a form of physical exercise, noting that routine activities such as feeding birds, cleaning pens, and collecting eggs naturally keep farmers active and promote better health.
The Inaugural Lecturer also highlighted the nutritional value of poultry, emphasizing the steady provision of fresh meat and eggs as a reliable source of high-quality protein for households.
In addition, he pointed out that poultry waste serves as an effective organic fertilizer, enriching soil fertility and supporting crop production, and further explained that chickens contribute to waste reduction by scavenging on leftovers, while also playing a role in weed and pest control through their natural feeding habits on insects and unwanted plants.
Concluding Professor Egbewande maintained that achieving a 100 percent survival rate in poultry production is possible, but only with strict commitment to bird welfare. According to him, farmers must provide clean water and quality feed consistently and at the right time, while maintaining proper hygiene and close monitoring.
He stressed that although birds cannot communicate verbally, attentive farmers can understand their needs through observation. This level of care, which he described as platonic love, builds a connection that ultimately translates into productivity and profitability.
“Whether for consumption or income, the outcome depends on how well the birds are treated,” he noted.
The Professor called on government at all levels to create a more supportive environment for research and agricultural practice, and emphasized the need for improved security in farming communities and policies that actively promote poultry production.
He further advocated for the reduction in the cost of feed ingredients, as well as the provision of accessible, low-interest loans to farmers to boost investment in the sector.
He urged young animal scientists to channel their knowledge into poultry production and agribusiness, rather than remaining unemployed or engaging in unproductive activities, noting that the sector holds significant opportunities for sustainable livelihood. Baby what you do again
Declaring the 28th Inaugural Lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Mohammed Aliyu Bello,
Reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustaining its academic traditions, noting that inaugural lectures remain a core intellectual activity that will continue uninterrupted. He also commended the Senate Committee on Seminars and Conferences for its consistency and dedication in organizing such impactful engagements, urging members to sustain the momentum despite prevailing challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that inaugural lectures hold a special place in the academic journey of professors worldwide, describing them as a significant milestone that offers scholars the opportunity to showcase their research contributions, share insights with colleagues, and outline future directions in their fields.
Speaking on the theme of the lecture, “Platonic Love for Chicken,” he congratulated Professor Olufemi Olubunmi Egbewande for delivering the University’s 28th Inaugural Lecture, describing the achievement as a testament to his dedication and excellence in the field of monogastric animal production.
He noted that the lecture was expected to provide valuable insights into poultry production, particularly in understanding the care and management of chickens, and encouraged farmers and stakeholders to embrace the knowledge shared as a means of improving productivity and livelihoods.
The Vice-Chancellor further assured that the University Management remains committed to supporting research, innovation, and scholarly activities that contribute to societal development and global academic recognitions
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Conferences and Seminars, Professor Ebenezer Oluseun Ogungbe, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the University’s academic journey.
According to him, Professor Egbewande exemplifies the qualities of a true academic approachable, principled, and deeply committed to the collective progress of the University community.
He emphasized that the lecturer’s emergence as the 28th inaugural lecturer reflects his enduring dedication to knowledge, innovation, and service, noting that his intellectual contributions extend beyond the classroom into professional practice, mentorship, and institutional development.
Professor Ogungbe further described the lecture topic, “Platonic Love for Chickens,” as simple yet profound, stressing its relevance in the context of global food systems and scientific research.
He highlighted the critical importance of poultry, particularly chickens, as the most widely distributed livestock species in the world, providing essential protein through meat and eggs while also serving as key models in biomedical and developmental studies. He attributed the consistent hosting of inaugural lectures to the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, whose commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination continues to strengthen the University’s intellectual culture.
While expressing appreciation for the Vice-Chancellor’s support to the committee, he also announced that the 29th inaugural lecture would be delivered by Professor Mohammed Tajudeen Mustapha of the Department of Science Education.
In a closing remarks and vote of thanks, the Registrar, Malam Idris Sale Kusherki, who was represented by the Establishment Secretary, Mr. Sunday Gana, described the lecture as timely and highly relevant to contemporary societal needs.
He commended Professor Olufemi Olubunmi Egbewande for his depth of knowledge and, more notably, his humility, which he said is evident in his conduct and interactions.
“Professor Egbewande is humility personified. In his words, actions, and even simple gestures, you see humility clearly reflected,” he stated, recounting personal encounters with the lecturer that demonstrated his modest character and respect for institutional processes.
The Registrar’s representative noted that the lecture had significantly reshaped perspectives on poultry management, particularly the importance of care, patience, and professional handling of animals.
He shared a personal anecdote involving his son, a veterinary student, whose approach to treating sick birds contrasted with his earlier instinct to dispose of them, highlighting the discipline and commitment of animal scientists.
According to him, the lecture has deepened appreciation for the role of animal science in improving livestock management and productivity.
He expressed gratitude to all invited guests and participants for honoring the University’s invitation, adding that the institution remains committed to supporting research and academic activities that will enhance its reputation both nationally and globally.
“We do not say goodbye at this University; we say ‘till you come again,’” he concluded, while humorously noting that the lecture had influenced his approach to handling poultry, opting for patience and care over drastic measures.
