By Joy Odor
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has kick started nationwide oversight visits to Federal Colleges and Research Institutes under the Council, promising to transform the sector and secure full support from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Monday, during his visit to the National Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) Lagos, Dr. Dabban expressed satisfaction with the institute’s achievements, praising staff unity and commitment.
He urged researchers to remain dedicated while assuring them that welfare and funding challenges would soon be addressed.
“This is a new dawn, and we will change the narrative. We are working with the Head of Service, TETFUND, and the Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to resolve welfare issues. We want to see associate professors emerge from this research circle, and with your support, we will make it happen,” he declared.
NIOMR’s Executive Director, Prof. Abiodun Sule, highlighted the institute’s strides in food security, marine environment protection, and poverty reduction since its establishment in 1975. He pledged continued collaboration with ARCN, particularly in data collection and sustainable marine resource exploitation.
At the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, also in Lagos, Dr. Dabban commended management for its progress, including accreditation of eight new programmes, a rise in student population from 500 to 2,000, and the construction of new hostels, laboratories, and workshops powered by 24/7 solar electricity.
Provost Dr. Paul Chuks Onuoha said the institution’s expansion was proof of its resilience and innovation, despite challenges.
He pledged full support to ARCN’s reform agenda.
Dr. Dabban reassured both institutes that ARCN is finalizing a memorandum of understanding with TETFUND to unlock funding for lecturers and researchers.
“Be rest assured, the President is with us. We will not rest until your welfare and academic needs are fully met,” he assured.
The oversight tour marks the beginning of a comprehensive reform push aimed at revitalizing agricultural research and education, positioning the sector as a key driver of food security, innovation, and economic growth.
