Team

Dr. Arolu has worked as a Senior Lecturer and Consultant at Kaduna State University, a Technical Manager at Olam Grain, and an agribusiness consultant for numerous organizations, including OCP, Mathematica Inc. (USA), and Abuja Enterprise Agency. His expertise spans the production and value chain of grains (maize, rice, soybean, millet, wheat), root crops (ginger, cassava, potato), and oil palm. He is also experienced in precision agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and value chain analysis. In addition, Dr. Arolu has led training programs for farmers and cooperatives, facilitated feasibility studies, and contributed to policy interventions in agribusiness development across Nigeria. His work has supported smallholder farmers in yield gap analysis, post-harvest handling, and market link Core Skills and Expertise:

• Agronomy & Crop Production

1. Seed system management and quality control
2. Agronomy of grains (maize, rice, soybean, millet, wheat), root crops (ginger, cassava, potato), and oil palm
3. Sustainable agricultural practices and precision farming
4. Fertilizer trials, soil sampling, and crop-specific nutrient management
5. Weed, pest, and disease management in various crops

 

• Agribusiness & Value Chain Development

1. Value chain analysis and market linkages for grains, oil palm, and ginger
2. Business development and cooperative formation
3. Post-harvest handling, storage, and processing
4. Commodity aggregation and cluster farming strategies
5. Access to agricultural finance and investment feasibility studies

 

• Training & Capacity Building

1. Training of trainers (ToT) in agronomy, cooperative management, and farm record-keeping
2. Smallholder farmer capacity development on good agricultural practices
3. Advisory services for agribusiness startups and commercial farms
4. Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects

• Research & Consultancy

1. Germplasm evaluation and variety yield trials
2. Seed production and genetic purity assessment
3. Monitoring and evaluation of agricultural intervention projects
4. Data collection, yield gap analysis, and policy recommendations
5. Feasibility studies and business planning for agribusiness ventures

 

• Project Management & Technical Advisory

1. Agricultural project design, implementation, and evaluation
2. Consultancy for government agencies, private firms, and NGOs
3. Policy advisory on agricultural commercialization and sustainability
4. Integration of technology in farming systems (precision agriculture)
5. Community engagement and stakeholder consultation for rural development

A  researcher with expertise in soil conservation, watershed management, and agricultural sustainability. Specializes in soil analysis, erosion problem-solving, and environmental impact assessments using advanced analytical and geospatial technologies.

His work centers on innovative plant breeding, rigorous field evaluation, and sophisticated statistical analyses that drive improvements in crop production and global food security. With research stints at leading institutions—including Central State University, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and the University of Iowa—Yusuff has coordinated complex field and laboratory experiments, mentored emerging scientists, and contributed to high-impact, internationally funded projects. Passionate about translating scientific inquiry into tangible agricultural advancements, Yusuff’s expertise spans from exploring plant-pollinator dynamics to developing new strategies in crop improvement. In the classroom, he brings this wealth of knowledge to life through engaging courses in quantitative genetics, plant breeding, and plant biology, inspiring the next generation of researchers. Beyond his research and teaching, Yusuff continually seeks innovative ways to integrate cutting-edge agricultural technologies with sustainable practices, ensuring that his work not only enriches scientific understanding but also makes a real-world impact.

He had my first degree in Agriculture before proceeding for his master's in soil science where he conducted research on improving the productivity of highly weathered Malaysian soil for oil palm production using sustainable local alternatives to lime and kieserite. He furthered my knowledge on sustainable soil management and environmental sustainability with a PhD degree. Following this he lectured briefly and worked as a researcher across several institutions before founding AROLFX Ltd.  The firm specializes in Carbon Management, ESG strategy, Sustainability solutions supporting global initiatives such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. The firm service spans humanities, social sciences, HR practices, and legal immigration services.  His leadership of this firm has enabled him to institute organizational learning that has increased performance and helped the organization meet her client's needs.

His research spans from cattle disease surveillance to antimicrobial alternatives in aquaculture. As an undergraduate, he conducted an integumentary survey of slaughter cattle at Bodija Municipal Abattoir with Dr. O. O. Alaka. His master’s research, under Professor M.D. Sabri, explored the antimicrobial effects of the outer membrane protein of Vibrio alginolyticus against vibriosis in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). During his predoctoral studies with Professor B. O. Emikpe, he investigated the antimicrobial, growth-promoting, and wound-healing properties of Alstonia boonei and Mitracarpus scaber in Aeromonas hydrophila-infected African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), leading to three publications and another under review. His findings contributed to the understanding of plant-based antimicrobial treatments in aquaculture. He has received research grants from GWAC-KNUST and Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). For his postdoctoral research, Dr. Ajadi is focused on finding alternatives to antibiotics in global aquaculture. His work involves developmental biology, whole-genome analysis, haematological evaluation of fish health, and antigen-antibody interactions. Dr. Ajadi is committed to becoming an independent researcher, advancing knowledge in fish disease and immunology, and developing sustainable alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. His career development includes expertise in grant writing, public speaking, lab management, and student mentoring, ensuring his contribution to the scientific community remains impactful and globally relevant. Dr. Ajadi is committed to research in advancing knowledge in fish disease and immunology, and developing sustainable alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. His career development includes expertise in grant writing, public speaking, lab management, and student mentoring, ensuring his contribution to the scientific community remains impactful and globally relevant.

His background in literature has equipped him with exceptional communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills, which he effectively applies in his professional roles. As a graduate of literature, Folahan brings a unique perspective to research and project management, combining creativity with a structured approach to problem-solving. His ability to interpret complex information, craft compelling narratives, and communicate ideas clearly has been instrumental in driving successful outcomes in his projects. Additionally, his leadership experience as the President of the OAU Students' Union, where he represented and led over 30,000 students, highlights his capacity to manage immense responsibilities, build consensus, and navigate complex challenges. His ability to manage large-scale events, secure sponsorships, and deliver results is an attestation to his strong project management capabilities and strategic thinking. In his role as a Project Manager and Research Analyst at Dreams Bridge LLC., Folahan has demonstrated a keen competence in managing diverse projects, analyzing data, delivering results, data-driven decision-making, risk oversight, and team collaboration. His tenure as Students' Union President further honed his organizational and leadership skills, enabling him to oversee administrative functions, manage sponsored programs, and coordinate high-impact initiatives. Folahan’s literary background, combined with his leadership experience, has enhanced his interpersonal skills, allowing him to build strong relationships, motivate teams, and foster collaboration in dynamic environments. His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including an Award of Excellence from the Vice Chancellor of OAU and a medal from the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria. His passion for innovation, coupled with his ability to navigate complex challenges, makes him a valuable asset in any research or project management role.