Senate Passes Bill to Establish Federal College of Agriculture in Borno
The Nigerian Senate has passed for third reading a bill seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State.
The passage of the bill followed the adoption of a recommendation contained in a report presented by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during plenary on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, is aimed at promoting agricultural education, knowledge and development in the host community and across Nigeria.
Ndume explained that the proposed institution would provide training on ways to improve agricultural productivity and encourage farmers to adopt modern farming techniques.
He identified continued reliance on traditional farming methods as one of the major challenges hindering agricultural development in Nigeria, noting that insufficient progress had been made in improving productivity through modern technology.
“One of the fundamental challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria is our continued reliance on crude farming methods.
“We have not made sufficient progress in improving productivity and making farming easier through modern technology,” he said.
The senator added that the college, when established, would facilitate the adoption of improved farming techniques, modern agricultural technology, enhanced knowledge and better crop varieties among farmers.
He further highlighted the agricultural potential of Shani, describing it as a local government area in Borno South known for the cultivation of rice, tomatoes and onions.
According to him, Shani shares boundaries with Adamawa and Bauchi states, which are also recognised for their agricultural activities.
Expressing satisfaction with the Senate’s passage of the bill, Ndume described the achievement as one of his major accomplishments in the National Assembly, particularly as the current legislative session approaches its conclusion.
“I am excited about this achievement. I consider it one of my lifetime achievements in the National Assembly, especially as we approach the end of our legislative session,” he added.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the committee for its work and praised Ndume for sponsoring what he described as a development-driven initiative.
Akpabio noted that the establishment of the institution would contribute to agricultural development in Nigeria.
Following its passage by the Senate, the bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence in accordance with legislative procedures.
If approved by the House of Representatives, the bill will be forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent to pave the way for the establishment of the proposed institution.
