Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions is considering 11 bills seeking the conversion of federal colleges of agriculture into universities of agriculture in some parts of the country.
Speaking yesterday during a public hearing on the proposed legislation, Chairman of the committee, Abiodun Akinlade explained that the country is in dire need of more agricultural institutions that will give rise to massive food production across the country.
He noted that after the discovery of oil in commercial quantities, agriculture which use to be the mainstay of the nation’s economy was abandoned for oil exploration.
He said with a growing population, the establishment of universities of agriculture will represent a pathway to food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Also speaking, Speaker Tajudeen Abass informed that the passage of the bills seeking the conversion of federal colleges of agriculture into universities would revolutionise the nation’s agricultural sector.
Represented by the Deputy Whip of the House, Isaka Ayokunle, Abbas said the persistence and commitment of the House committee to fortify agricultural colleges and instructions is part and parcel of the 10th House legislative agenda.
He said the 11 bills considered at the public hearing encapsulates the forward thinking of the House for improved agricultural production.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Institute, Professor Bello Abubakar said the research institute and the parent ministry is supportive of any national strategic framework to modernise agriculture and ensure food security
Some of the existing colleges and research institutes seeking to be converted into Universities of Agriculture include Federal College of Agriculture Akure, Ondo State, Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry Akamkpa Cross- River State and College of Fishery and Aquaculture, Askira Uba, Borno State, among others.
