News in brief: The Nigerian House of Representatives passed a bill for establishing a Federal University of Agriculture in Delta state. It will offer academic services in teaching, research, and extension services to aid environmental assessment and sustainable development.
The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to establish a Federal University of Agriculture in Delta state. It has passed its first reading, according to a local news outlet.
Hon. Philip Agbese, a member representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Obadibo Federal Constituency, sponsored the bill. Agbese hopes that the bill leads to establishing a federal institution of Agriculture in the Ika North-East Local government area of Delta state that will offer academic services that include teaching, research and extension services.
He told newsmen that the proposed institution will be a centre of education and research that will aid environmental assessment. Also, he mentioned that it could have meaningful contributions to sustainable development in society which would significantly improve the community’s living conditions. Agbese emphasised the importance of link between humans, animals, and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources.
In his statement, he said that the institution will prepare young citizens as a workforce and for leadership in a diverse, global and technology-driven environment. However, the lawmaker mentioned how important it is for the next generation’s focus to shift towards agriculture.
He furthers asserts that the proposed university can become a key element of innovation systems both as a creator of new knowledge and ideas based on research, and as a provider of human capital.
Note that federal universities in Nigeria used to be attractive because the federal government provides financial support for their infrastructure, faculty salaries, research projects, and other operational expenses. However, with Tinubu’s June announcement about the government ceasing such funding, it is not clear what the perks of studying in a federal universities will be. Generally, educational institutions dedicated to a specific sector helps in capacity building for the next talents that will drive it forward.
