By Joy Odor
Senator Rufa’i Hanga Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Agriculture, Kura, Kano State to offer Academic and Professional Programmes Leading to Award of Diploma, Degree, Postgraduates Research and Higher Degree in Agriculture for Other Related Matters, 2024 scale second reading.
Recall that the Bill was read the First Time in the floor of the Hallowed Chamber of the Senate on 23rd October, 2024.
Lead the debate on the Bill, Senator Hanga, representing Kano Central in the 10th Senate informed that the Bill is a bold step towards, not only addressing the educational needs of the people of Kano State, but will also serve as a training ground for the development of Agriculture in the Country.
The Lawmaker affirmed that the Federal University of Agriculture, Kura when established would provide the holistic development of agricultural education, knowledge, skills and the telescopic vision on the future that will help contribute to accelerate agricultural growth rate, enhance farmers’ income and generate employment in the sector.
According to him, the objectives of the University when established are to: a) Encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political, conviction the opportunity of acquiring tertiary education in Agriculture;
b) Develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of Diplomas, First Degrees, Postgraduate Research and Higher Degrees which emphasize Planning, Adaptive, Technical, Maintenance, Developmental and Productive skills in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Allied Professional Disciplines with the aim of producing socially matured persons with capacity to improve on those disciplines and develop new ones, and to contribute to the scientific transformation of agriculture in Nigeria;
c) Act as agents and catalysts, through postgraduate training, research and innovation for the effective and economic utilization, exploitation and conservation of Nigeria’s natural, agricultural, economic and human resources;
d) Offer to the general population, as a form of public service, the results of training and research in agriculture and allied disciplines and to foster the practical application of those results;
e) Establish appropriate relationships with other national institutions involved in training, research and development of agriculture;
f) ldentify the agricultural problems and needs of Nigeria and to find solutions to them within the context of overall national development;
g) Provide and promote basic scientific training as a foundation for the development of Agriculture in Nigeria, taking into account indigenous cultures and the need to enhance national unity;
h) Encourage and promote scholarship and conduct research in restricted fields of learning and human endeavour;
i) Relate its activities to the technological, social, cultural and economic needs of the people of Nigeria; and
j) Undertake any other activities appropriate for an agriculture University of the highest standard.
“Agriculture with its allied sectors is unquestionably the largest livelihood provider, more so, in the rural areas, and can contribute significantly to the GDP of the Nation.
“Demand for agricultural products is rising rapidly with an increase in population and per Capital income and growing demand from the industrial sector” he said.
Senator Hanga opined that the passage of thr Bill will help not only in transforming and supporting the Agricultural Policies of the Federal Government, the agricultural sector in Kano State and other neighboring States like, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna, but also Nigeria and West Africa in General.
“Therefore, Distinguished Colleagues, it is my prayer and ardent call on you to consider the plight of the people who are desirous to becoming professional farmers, Agric extension workers, and professional Agric industrialists in all the value chains of Agriculture and livestock production in Nigeria.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, let me also stress the fact that the location of the University, Kura, is instructive; as it is the hub of Agriculture In Kano State and the establishment of the University will clearly register and promote the presence of the Federal Government in the Ares and will help to restore and re-strengthen the citizens’ sense of belonging to this nation.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, I urge you to support this will be read for the second time and refer to the Committee for further legislative action” he noted.
