By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry Of Agriculture and Food Security has pledged its support to the agricultural and infrastructure development of 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.
Making this declaration was the Minister of State, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, 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.
Speaking, Dr. Aliyu stated that Agricultural development support and collaboration with the Federal University of Education would focus on practical, hands-on experience, and entrepreneurship profitable for students as well as foster a new generation of Agripreneurs.
He advised the institution to focus on ‘’smart agricultural business; use digital technology, data analytics to boost efficiency, profitability, and sustainability, move beyond traditional farming to optimize inputs and improve yields through precision management, thereby creating a data-driven, connected food system from farm to production.
The Minister also 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, of the Federal University of Education, Kotangora, Prof. Faruk Haruna revealed that the Minister sponsored the bill establishing the university while serving as a senator for Niger North and it was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Dec. 31, 2021.
He requested for 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.
