A bill seeking to establish a Federal University of Agriculture in Osun state has passed second reading in the Senate.
The proposed university, according to the bill, will be located in Ragbiji, Osun State, and is part of the federal government’s efforts to diversify the nation’s economy.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the bill, highlighted its significance, stating that the institution would serve as a training ground for future agricultural entrepreneurs and business owners.
He described the bill as a strategic move to address both the educational and economic needs of the country.
“With agriculture being the largest livelihood provider, especially in rural areas, it can significantly contribute to the nation’s GDP. As the population grows and industrial demand rises, the need for agricultural products will only increase,” Bamidele said during the debate.
He further explained that the university would focus on the holistic development of agriculture and tropical studies, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to accelerate agricultural growth, boost farmers’ incomes, and create employment in the sector.
The goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, reduce poverty, and bring economic transformation to millions of rural families.
The bill also received strong backing from other senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan. Jibrin noted, “This is a very important bill, and we should all support it.”
Following the debate, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, referred the bill to the Senate Committees on Agriculture and Tertiary Education and TETFUND for further legislative review. The committees are expected to report back in two weeks.