Clarion Olusegun
The Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture (ASUCA) has called on the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to urgently address critical challenges facing the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPT), Vom, Plateau State.
The appeal was made when the union paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, to congratulate her on her appointment.
Led by its National Chairman, Dr. Kenneth Ogbu, he solicited her support in tackling institutional and systemic issues affecting the college.
According to the statement relaeased by the ministry’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Ben. Bem goong, and made available to AgroNigeria, among the key concerns raised by ASUCA were the non-appointment of a substantive Provost, continued exclusion of the College from TETFund interventions, poor budgetary allocation, outdated Scheme of Service (last reviewed in 2004), and the deplorable state of infrastructure hampering effective teaching, learning, and research.
In her remarks, Dr. Akujobi thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed the Ministry’s willingness to address the issues raised.
She noted the importance of agricultural education in national development and assured that the concerns would be looked into as part of ongoing reforms within the Ministry.
The statement reads: “The Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture (ASUCA), led by its Chairman, Dr. Kenneth Ikijiefor Ogbu today paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, to felicitate with her on her appointment and to seek her support in addressing critical challenges confronting the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom, Plateau State.
“During the visit, the Union highlighted key concerns, including the urgent need for the appointment of a Provost, the College’s continued exclusion from TETFund interventions, the necessity for increased budgetary allocation, the adoption of a new scheme of service to replace the outdated 2004 version, and the dire need for improved infrastructure to enhance teaching, learning, and research.
“Responding, the Permanent Secretary appreciated the visit, assured the delegation that their concerns would be carefully looked into, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting institutions under its purview.
“The visit also featured the unveiling and presentation of a portrait of the Permanent Secretary in a symbolic gesture of goodwill.”
