ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of university agricultural research projects on the skill development and innovation capabilities of undergraduate students, particularly focusing on students in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used, with a population of 79 final-year students from Animal Science and Agricultural Education. A structured questionnaire was employed, consisting of socio-demographic questions and Likert scale items. The instrument's validity was confirmed by two experts from the faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, while reliability was tested using the test-retest method with 10 students, analysed by Pearson’s correlation. Data collection involved direct administration, and analysis was performed using frequency counts, mean, and standard deviation, with a criterion mean of 2.5 for agreement. The findings indicate that university agricultural research projects positively influence students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills. These projects also play a significant role in fostering creativity and innovation, equipping students with the ability to develop innovative solutions to agricultural challenges. Additionally, participation in these research projects boosts students’ confidence, employability, and awareness of industry trends. However, the study highlights challenges such as limited access to resources, time constraints, lack of mentorship, and insufficient funding, which hinder students' ability to fully benefit from these research projects. The study concludes that university agricultural research projects are vital in preparing students for future careers in agriculture, but the effectiveness of these projects can be further enhanced by addressing the identified challenges. The study recommends that universities invest in better research facilities, establish stronger mentorship programs, and allocate more funds to support agricultural research initiatives. Further research is suggested to explore the long-term career trajectories of students involved in agricultural research projects and the impact of collaboration between universities and industries on skill development and innovation.
