Nigeria Can Build Food Processing Machines, Turn Agro-Waste to Wealth — Prof Onwuka
By Charity Uwakwe
Nigeria may already possess the technological capacity to process its own food, design agricultural machines, and convert agro-waste into wealth — if the right support systems are put in place.
Delivering the 69th Inaugural Lecture of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, renowned food engineering expert, Engr. Prof. Udochukwu Nelson Onwuka declared that Nigerian scientists have developed innovative machines capable of transforming local agriculture and strengthening national food security.
Speaking at the Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim Hall, Prof Onwuka emphasized that the country already has the knowledge and technical capacity to process agricultural produce from raw materials to finished food products — but warned that poor power supply, weak research funding, and limited commercialization structures remain major obstacles.
Professor Udochukwu Nelson Onwuka says Nigeria has the technical capacity to design food processing machines, process agricultural produce, and convert agro-waste into valuable industrial products. However, improved electricity supply, research funding, and support for local technologies are crucial to achieving national food security.
Delivering his lecture titled: ‘The Triplex Agenda of Food Engineers in Leveraging Challenges of Consumers Avarice and Food Security’, Prof. Onwuka highlighted the importance of establishing strong Food Engineering programmes in universities to train professionals capable of solving Nigeria’s food processing and preservation challenges.
According to him, the growth of food engineering education will produce more experts with the technical expertise required to meet the needs of both present and future consumers.
“With the establishment of food engineering programmes in our universities, more professionals with the required technical knowledge will emerge to meet the needs of our growing population,” he said.
He added that the development of local technologies will enable Nigeria to rely more on its own skills in processing food and ensuring food security through processing, preservation, and storage innovations.
Prof Onwuka stressed that Nigerian researchers already possess the capacity to address challenges along the entire food value chain if given adequate financial support and enabling legislation.
Local Innovations in Food Engineering
The professor disclosed that Nigerian researchers have already developed several innovative technologies capable of transforming the agricultural processing sector.
These include machines and systems for:
Cassava peeling and garri frying operations
Dehulling and drying of cocoa beans
Chocolate production technologies
Advanced food smoking technologies
Fruit extraction and sterilization using “ohmic heating processes”; Confectionery production equipment including kneading machines and mixers for different flour types, as well as
Local oil bleaching technologies.
He also revealed that Nigerian researchers have secured patents for certain innovations.
“We currently have a patent for ‘a periwinkle meat extractor,’ and we have also developed ‘a cocoyam chipping machine,’” he said.
WASTE-TO-WEALTH TECHNOLOGIES
Another significant area of innovation highlighted during the lecture is the conversion of agricultural waste into valuable industrial products.
According to the professor, researchers have developed systems that transform agro-waste materials into useful products, including particle boards produced from rice husk and palm husk.
Machines have also been developed to compact these materials for industrial use.
Similarly, the university has produced fish feed extruders that can manufacture animal feed using agro-waste and other non-conventional materials.
“These innovations demonstrate that waste generated from agriculture can be converted into wealth and valuable industrial inputs,” he noted.
Prof. Onwuka Reflects on Inaugural Lecture, Calls for Recognition of Knowledge and Research Implementation
Speaking in an exclusive interview with famousreporters.com, Food Engineering scholar Prof. Udochukwu Nelson Onwuka described the occasion of his inaugural lecture as a memorable and fulfilling moment, expressing gratitude for the success of the event.
According to the professor, the lecture achieved its core objective of sharing knowledge and engaging the academic community.
“It was a fantastic day. We achieved the aim of the programme — we invited people to attend the lecture, and they came. They listened, participated, and gained valuable insights from the lecture. I thank God for that,” he said.
Reflecting on his professional journey and accomplishments, Prof. Onwuka attributed his success primarily to dedication, hard work, and divine grace.
“Everything I have achieved is by the grace of God. It is not because I am better than anyone else. I simply worked assiduously, and with God on my side, things turned out successfully.
I remain grateful because there are many people who have even done better but have not had the same opportunities,” he noted.
However, the professor also expressed concern about systemic challenges in society, particularly the role of favoritism and connections in determining opportunities.
He lamented that in many cases, competence and knowledge are often overshadowed by personal networks.
“Sometimes, in the society where we live, it is not just about what you know but who you know. People may strive very hard and follow the right path, yet the outcome may still depend on connections. That is one of the realities many people face,” he explained.
Prof. Onwuka further decried what he described as the growing failure of society to adequately recognize knowledge and merit, warning that such trends could discourage innovation and intellectual development.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized that resilience, persistence, and faith helped him overcome obstacles along his path.
“Favoritism has been one of the greatest challenges in our society. But through resilience, persistence, and faith in God, I was able to overcome that barrier,” he said.
The food engineering expert also stressed the urgent need to move beyond academic research into practical implementation, urging government and relevant stakeholders to partner with researchers to transform innovations into real-world solutions.
According to him, many valuable research outcomes and inventions remain underutilized due to lack of institutional collaboration and support.
“We are more interested in implementing the results of our research. There are already many inventions and findings that can benefit society. What we need is collaboration with the government to make their implementation possible,” he added.
HRH Eze Larry Ogbonnaya Congratulates World-Renowned Professor from Ikwuano
HRH Eze Larry Ogbonnaya, Onyeoruru 1 of Ajatanigu Autonomous Community in Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, has congratulated a world-renowned erudite professor for his groundbreaking research on the bleaching performance of limestone and selected clay in red palm oil.
King Larry hailed the professor as a proud son of Ikwuano, urging him to continue raising the community’s profile on the global stage. He added that posterity will celebrate his heroic contributions to science and academia.
Also speaking, Engr. Chiemezie Mgbeahuruike from Acha in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State praised Prof. Onwuka’s personality and intellectual depth, describing him as an exceptional individual committed to impacting society.
Mgbeahuruike revealed that his relationship with the professor dates back many years.
“Prof. Onwuka was in Russia around the same time as my elder sister, and that was how they got to know each other. Here in Nigeria, I also attended school with his elder brother, Christian Onwuka,” he explained.
He described the professor as intelligent, sociable, and energetic, noting that his ability to understand people and connect with them makes him stand out.
“Although nobody is perfect, Prof. Onwuka has an excellent personality. He is highly educated, intelligent, sociable, and full of energy. He understands people and relates well with them,” Mgbeahuruike said.
He encouraged the professor to remain steadfast in his mission of contributing to society and advancing knowledge.
“For me, my advice is simple — he should continue the way he is going and keep impacting lives. He should keep the light shining,” he added.
Meanwhile, among dignitaries at the academic event were, the University 7th Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Nkeiruka Charity Mbanaso, the University Librarian, Prof. Isaac Maduanuchi Ogbonna, the University Orator, Dr. Eke Udochi, Members of the senate, Mr. Ifeanyi Kennedy Onwuka.
Others were; HRH Eze Ben Oriaku of Umudike,
High Chief (Dr.) Stanley Ohuegbe of Amaoba Abala, in Amaoba Ime-Oboro; Ntalakwu Oboro autonomous community women, Oboro Community women association, etc.
