Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has rounded off its 2025 inaugural lecture series with a strong call for increased livestock production as a solution to Nigeria’s worsening protein crisis.
The 66th inaugural lecture, which was the final for the year, was delivered by a Professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Prof Uma Kalu, under the theme “Seed Boogie and Products of Animal Origin: A Panacea for Quality Protein Crisis”.
The monthly lecture series is part of the Vice Chancellor’s initiative to promote research and scholarly output within the institution.
In his presentation, Prof Kalu urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to scale up livestock production and strengthen research efforts to bridge the widening gap in protein consumption across the country.
He noted that seed boogie and products of animal origin offer innovative opportunities for sustainable protein supply, but stressed that inadequate research centres, economic setbacks and other constraints continue to deepen the crisis.
According to him, establishing research centres in locations with comparative advantage for specific livestock species would significantly boost productivity. He further recommended that well-designed cross-breeding programmes can help farmers produce animals with faster growth rates, higher egg or milk yields, and improved disease resistance.
Highlighting the potential of indigenous chickens, Prof Kalu said they remain a cost-effective and reliable source of high-quality animal protein, particularly for low-income households. He urged breeders to apply quantitative genetic principles such as heterosis retention, breed complementarity and enhanced genetic variability to strengthen local animal genetic resources.
He noted that despite the economic challenges facing poultry breeding, supportive government policies are crucial for scaling up livestock improvement programmes and recommended pilot-scale development of improved local chickens to accelerate production levels, promote proper market pricing, boost research exhibitions, and increase animal protein supply for Nigeria’s growing population.
Prof Kalu further commended the Federal Government for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, but emphasized that more centres of excellence are needed across all geopolitical zones to meet the complex demands of animal genetics and breeding.
Declaring the lecture closed, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, praised the lecturer for addressing such a critical national need. He described the past five years of his administration as years of stability and excellence, maintaining that the university has remained peaceful and focused on academic growth.
Prof Iwe explained that “seed boogie” refers to the mating process that results in offspring, noting that the sperm and ova serve as the two boogie partners whose union produces new life. He expressed hope that the new livestock ministry would help tackle Nigeria’s protein and nutritional challenges.
He, however, lamented that the crisis has shifted from protein scarcity to affordability, noting that the rising cost of livestock products, with a single chicken now selling for ₦15,000 and above, has placed protein beyond the reach of many citizens.
Fielding questions from journalists, Prof Kalu reiterated the urgent need for action to reverse the troubling trend in protein consumption and production.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and wife of the lecturer, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uma Kalu, congratulated her husband and pledged continued support to his career and research pursuits.
