In yet another landmark achievement in research, consultancy, and industry collaboration, the University of Benin has successfully completed a Soil Fertility and Land Quality Study for Okomu Oil Palm Company through the UNIBEN Consultancy Ltd. The eight-month project, carried out from October 2025 to May 2026, reflects the University’s commitment to providing practical scientific solutions to the country’s agricultural and environmental challenges.
The project was accomplished by a team of researchers led by Dr. Valerie Ofili-Edosa. Other members of the team from the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture are: Professor J. S. Ogeh, Professor E. R. Orhue, Professor J. O. Ehigiator and Dr. Ikponmwonsa Ogbemudia. Others are Dr. Kadiri Henry, Dr Edmond Airueghian and Mrs Esther Imasuen.
The project involved assessment of soil fertility and land quality across the Okomu oil company to generate data for sustainable oil palm and rubber production.
The team’s objectives were to: evaluate soil fertility status, identify peat soils if any, assess land management impacts, map areas prone to degradation, and produce drainage maps, digital elevation models, soil fertility maps, and a technical report.
The Team eulogized the Vice Chancellor for his visionary leadership and for creating the right atmosphere for the synergy between the University of Benin and the Okomu Oil Palm company.
Elated by the successful outcome of the collaboration, the Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, said the feat strengthens the University’s reputation as a trusted partner to industries by delivering practical solutions for agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
He commended the team for the accomplishment and reiterated his commitment to innovative and impactful research.
Report by:
Public Relations and Protocol Unit,
Vice Chancellor’s Office.