FG Pledges Support to University’s Agriculture Programme
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi has pledged that the ministry would support agricultural and infrastructure development at the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, (FUEK) in Niger State, and other Tertiary institutions in the country towards achieving food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi made this declaration during a courtesy visit by the university’s delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Haruna, at the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro – Pocket (NAGS – AP) office in Abuja, recently.
Sen. Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi stated that Agricultural development support and collaboration with the Federal University of Education would focus on practical, hands-on experience and entrepreneurship that is profitable for students, as well as foster a new generation of Agripreneurs.
He advised that the institution should focus on “Smart agriculture business which uses digital technology, data analytics to boost efficiency, profitability, and sustainability, moving beyond traditional farming to optimize inputs and improve yields through precision management, creating a data-driven, connected food system from farm to production”.
He revealed that “Agriculture teachers used to be the best then but gradually dying off which led to the formation of Young Farmers Club (YFC), a youth organization focused on engaging young people in agriculture through practical skills, modern techniques, and leadership, aimed at making farming appealing, promote food security, and foster self-reliance, with major initiatives recently launched in Nigeria by the First Lady to boost youth involvement in farming as a viable career”.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Education, Kotangora, Prof. Faruk Haruna, revealed that the Minister sponsored the bill establishing the university while serving as senator for Niger North, and it was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Dec. 31, 2021.
He requested the establishment of agro-processing, value addition centers for training and research, as well as support for modern farm machinery, renewable energy, cold rooms, greenhouses, and irrigation facilities.
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