World Bank Backs ₦300m Feed Laboratory at Umudike University

The World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRES, has approved ₦300 million to establish an Animal Feed Reference Laboratory at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in Abia State.

The plan was announced during a visit by an L-PRES delegation to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, on April 30, 2026.

Leader of the delegation and Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Professor Udo Herbert, said the university was chosen due to its record in agricultural research and innovation. He confirmed that funds have been set aside to begin the project.

World Bank Co-Task Team Leader, Dr. Chidozie Anyiro, said the laboratory will help improve feed quality and livestock productivity. He added that the project will also support access to pasture and water, which are key issues linked to farmers-herders conflicts.

In her response, Professor Akanwa welcomed the project and said the university has the capacity to manage the facility. She noted that the laboratory will strengthen research and support agribusiness development.

L-PRES is a 500-million-dollar World Bank programme running for six years across 20 states. It focuses on improving livestock production, building resilience, and supporting value chain development in Nigeria.