The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has unveiled an improved dual-energy fish smoking kiln designed to promote hygienic fish processing, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food security and create employment opportunities.
The innovation was unveiled on October 20th, 2026, during a demonstration workshop organised by the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), in collaboration with the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) with sponsorship from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The workshop, held at the AMREC Training Hall, showcased the improved technology and demonstrated its potential to enhance fish processing and preservation.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Olawale Dairo, who was represented by the Director of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Kazeem Bello, commended the organisers for the initiative.
He highlighted the University’s core value of “EXIGIS” and noted that the innovation aligned with FUNAAB’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable food processing practices.
He also challenged the research team to explore integrating solar energy into the improved kiln, noting that the addition could enhance its efficiency and sustainability while expanding its potential to support livelihoods.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director of AMREC, Prof. Jacob Olaoye, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his support and commended other dignitaries for their participation.
He explained that the practical session was designed to demonstrate the operation of two improved fish smoking kilns powered by gas and charcoal, respectively.
Olaoye disclosed that further research would include palatability tests to evaluate the quality and acceptability of the smoked fish, alongside an economic analysis comparing the performance and costs of the two kilns.
He described the innovation as a practical research output with the potential to improve fish processing methods, minimise losses and contribute to national food security.
Also speaking, Dr. Oluwayemisi Arigbede, who represented the Director of DRIP, emphasised the importance of fish to food security and the need for improved processing technologies.
She noted that conventional fish-smoking methods could be time-consuming and inadequate, underscoring the need for more efficient alternatives to improve processing and preservation.
Arigbede reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to translating research findings into practical solutions that address societal needs. She added that the improved kiln could create employment opportunities, enhance livelihoods and promote hygienic fish processing.
She urged prospective users to embrace the technology and maximise its benefits towards reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening food security.
The workshop climaxed with a practical demonstration of fish smoking using the two improved kilns, providing participants with firsthand insight into their operation and potential applications.
