A former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. C.O.N. Ikeobi, has stressed that a strong work ethic remains the most critical factor in achieving sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria, warning that weak professional attitudes could undermine efforts to boost food security.
Speaking through a detailed presentation titled “AMREC Work Ethics: Building a Strong Foundation for Success,” the professor highlighted the central role of discipline, integrity, and accountability among staff of the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), the university’s outreach arm to farming communities.
According to him, work ethic goes beyond technical competence, describing it as “the internal compass that determines how individuals behave even when supervision is absent.” He noted that institutions driven by strong ethical values are more productive, innovative, and better positioned to deliver impactful solutions.
Prof. Ikeobi emphasized that ethical conduct is particularly crucial in agricultural research and extension services, where inaccurate data or delayed information could result in significant crop losses for farmers. He warned that AMREC’s credibility—and by extension that of FUNAAB—depends heavily on the professionalism of its workforce.
“As the bridge between research and rural farmers, AMREC must prioritise reliability and timeliness. A delay in communicating pest control measures or climate information can have devastating consequences,” he said.
The former university administrator identified key challenges facing AMREC staff, including limited resources, difficult terrain, and tight production schedules, noting that only a workforce grounded in strong ethics can effectively navigate these constraints.
He outlined core values expected of staff, including punctuality,y honesty, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning. He stressed that employees must take ownership of their responsibilities, avoid complacency, and remain proactive in solving problems without constant supervision.
Prof. Ikeobi also warned against what he described as “toxic competence,” where highly skilled workers lack discipline or integrity, noting that such individuals could damage team morale and institutional reputation.
On performance standards, he underscored the importance of attendance, loyalty, trustworthiness, initiative, and effective communication, adding that attitude often determines the level of success an individual or organisation can attain.
“Attitude determines altitude,” he stated, urging workers to embrace positive mindsets even in challenging environments.
To strengthen institutional efficiency, the professor recommended a shift from rigid supervision to a coaching-based management style, advocating for clear goal-setting, staff development, and regular feedback mechanisms. He also called for fairness in enforcing rules, warning that selective discipline could erode trust within the organisation.
He further advised leadership to motivate staff through recognition, provision of adequate tools, and clear communication of organisational goals, noting that employees perform better when they understand the impact of their work on farmers’ livelihoods.
Prof. Ikeobi concluded that AMREC’s successv—and its ability to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape—depends less on funding and more on the ethical commitment of its workforce.
“The soil of success is work ethic,” he declared, urging staff to see themselves not as routine civil servants, but as critical partners in national development, particularly in supporting farmers across Ogun State and beyond.
Speaking earlier at the event, AMREC Director, Prof Olalekan Jacob Olaoye said the Centre, uniquely positioned at the interface of research, communication, and community engagement, bears the mandate of knowledge into practical solutions that address real-world agricultural challenges.
These challenges, Prof Olaoye stated, ranged from climate variability and food insecurity to post-harvest losses and the urgent need for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, require a responsive, innovative, and knowledge-driven extension system.
According to him, the strength of any extension system lies in its capacity to adapt, innovate, and deliver measurable impact.
Consequently he said, “we must move beyond conventional approaches and embrace modern extension paradigms, including digital extension services, participatory methodologies, and value chain-driven interventions.”
The training session also had two other eminent professors in the Centre, the Deputy Director, Prof Ọlálékan Oyekunle, and Prof Oluwakemi Irhekore deliver papers of interest on various topics.
