As part of efforts to enhance agricultural education and research in Nigeria, the Senate has advanced a bill to establish the Federal University of Agriculture in Akure, Ondo State.
Sponsored by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), the bill had passed its second reading, marking a major step toward addressing the challenges of food production and advancing self-sufficiency in the country.
In his lead debate, Senator Adegbonmire stressed the urgent need for more federal universities of agriculture, noting that the current number is inadequate to meet the rising demand for agricultural expertise. The proposed university would upgrade the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, which has been in existence since 1957 and occupies approximately 1061.4 acres of land.
The senator outlined the key objectives of the bill, including the training of individuals in agricultural sciences and research, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural practices. He emphasized that the existing infrastructure at the college provides a strong foundation for its transformation into a university.
“Section 2 of the proposed bill sets out the objectives of the proposed university, and I respectfully invite my distinguished colleagues to study the same.
“The provisions of the bill are geared towards ensuring the realisation of the objectives of the bill as stated in its Section 2.
“The Federal College of Agriculture already has all of the facilities necessary for the establishment of the university,” he stated.
Senator Adegbonmire urged his colleagues to support the bill, noting that the institution would not only benefit Akure’s citizens but also contribute to overall agricultural development of Nigeria.
Following the second reading, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further review, with a report expected within four weeks.