FCAIB RECEIVES STATIC METHANE FLUX CHAMBER TO ADVANCE CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

By Oluwatobi Fadairo

The Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB), has strengthened its agricultural research capacity with the donation of a static methane flux chamber, a specialised instrument for measuring methane emissions from rice fields and supporting climate-smart agriculture.

The equipment was received on behalf of the Provost, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, by the Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. Victoria E. Okpeze. Present also were the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Dr. Modupe Sodamola; the Director of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Akindele Oluwaleke; and Mr. Josiah Yilson.

Presenting the equipment on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the Director of the Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), Professor Abiodun Suleiman Momodu, said the donation was aimed at strengthening research collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building between both institutions.

Professor Momodu explained that the donation forms part of a methane emission research project funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), in partnership with Queen Mary University of London. The project also involves Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, and Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, with participating institutions collecting methane emission data from different parts of Nigeria.

He noted that the research focuses on measuring methane emissions from waterlogged rice fields, as rice cultivation is a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming. Although Ibadan was not originally designated as one of the project's research locations, the team donated one of the chambers after recognising the College's commitment to agricultural research during a training programme held in the city.

Professor Momodu added that the equipment would open new opportunities for research, equip staff and students with practical skills in methane emission studies, and support collaborative field and laboratory research. He also observed that while many specialised components are imported, the chamber was assembled in Nigeria, reflecting the ingenuity of Nigerian researchers.

The research team later demonstrated the installation and operation of the equipment, explaining how it captures methane emitted from waterlogged rice fields. They also highlighted the functions of the chamber's internal fan and temperature sensor, as well as the procedures for collecting gas samples for laboratory analysis. The team assured the College of continued technical support and practical training for staff and students.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of Professor Atungwu, Dr. Victoria E. Okpeze expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Professor Abiodun Suleiman Momodu and the research team for the generous donation. She described the gesture as a major boost to the College's research agenda, noting that it would enhance teaching, strengthen research capacity and further position the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, as a leading institution in agricultural research, innovation and climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria.

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