Bayero University, Kano (BUK) became the epicenter of soil science innovation is currently hosting the 49th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN), themed “Promoting Soil Health and Resilience Through Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development.” The five-day gathering, is being co-hosted by by the university’s Faculty of Agriculture and the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA).
In a defining moment during the opening ceremony on Tuesday, 8th April, 2025, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, declared the conference open and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector through science and strategic partnerships.
He emphasized that soil health is not just a scientific concern but a national imperative—central to food security, economic stability, and sustainable development. He warned that Nigeria’s soils are under significant stress due to erosion, deforestation, unsustainable land practices, and climate-related challenges, all of which threaten the country’s ability to feed its growing population.
However, the Minister shared a message of hope. Citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he outlined ongoing government initiatives and pledged strong institutional support for sustainable soil management. A key highlight of his address was the announcement of the National Farmers Soil Health Scheme — a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing soil fertility and farm productivity nationwide.
He specifically pledged to work closely with Bayero University, including the CDA and Faculty of Agriculture, positioning the university as a strategic partner in driving the scheme’s rollout. “We see immense value in leveraging BUK’s expertise to empower farmers and protect Nigeria’s most valuable natural asset — its soil,” the Minister affirmed.
Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, welcomed participants to what he described as a gathering of minds committed to reshaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria. He said the theme of the conference was timely, addressing urgent global concerns about soil degradation, food insecurity, and the impacts of climate change on agricultural systems.
President of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin, echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as a “gathering of visionaries.” He praised the role of research and innovation in restoring soil health and appreciated the government’s growing support. He also acknowledged contributions from key industry partners like OCP Africa, Soil Values, and Exchange Africa, noting their role in bridging research and real-world agricultural practice.
Professor Jibrin further highlighted the SSSN’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists through initiatives like the Soil Talk Lecture Series and its continued sponsorship of young soil researchers at national conferences. “We are building not just knowledge, but a legacy,” he remarked.
The President of the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS), Professor A.M. Kundiri, reinforced the urgency of prioritizing soil health, which he described as vital to agricultural productivity, environmental resilience, and national well-being. He reaffirmed NISS's role in steering policy, research, and training across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Adding a security perspective, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd), represented by the Kano State Commandant, Abubakar Idris Ahmad, linked soil to a lesser-known but important issue — illicit drug cultivation. He revealed the NDLEA’s efforts to combat illegal cannabis plantations, warning that poor land management can sometimes open doors to criminal activity in rural areas.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Muhammad Auwal Hussain, welcomed delegates and traced the Faculty’s journey from its founding in 2001 with just three departments to its current robust structure comprising eight departments and five undergraduate programmes. He described the conference as a crucial platform for networking, sharing innovative ideas, and shaping the direction of agricultural research and development.
In recognition of their distinguished contributions to the field of agriculture and soil science, the SSSN conferred its prestigious Fellow Awards on Dr. Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Governor Babagana Umaru Zulum of Borno State, and Professor Adam Lawan Ngala.
The conference also featured two powerful lead paper presentations: one by Professor B.D. Tarfa, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, and another by Dr. Martin Yemefack, former President of the African Soil Science Society (ASSS), Cameroon.