The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has praised the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa (FECOHORT), for recording impressive progress within a short period, urged management and staff to continue working as a united team to achieve greater results.
Dr. Dabban stated this on Friday, 21st November 2025, during his maiden familiarization visit to the college in Dadin-Kowa, Gombe State. He expressed satisfaction with the rapid improvements recorded under the Acting Provost, Dr. Umar A. Umar, noting that releasing him to lead the institution was initially a difficult decision, but the progress witnessed within three months has justified the move.
“It was not an easy decision to bring Dr. Umar A. Umar here, but I am satisfied with his achievements within just three months. His performance has shown that the decision was the right one,” he said.
Responding to issues raised by staff and unions, the Executive Secretary advised the college management to apply for waivers to regularize payments for qualified casual staff and address other internal financial obligations. He noted that absorbing capable casual workers into the federal payroll would ease the institution’s burden while strengthening its workforce. He also urged the college to intensify community engagement and publicity to boost visibility.
Dabban revealed ongoing efforts to secure the inclusion of ARCN colleges in the TETFund intervention scheme, adding that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is currently under review to facilitate this. He encouraged the institution to expand its academic offerings and strengthen vocational training programmes, including tailoring and other trades, to empower students interested in practical skills.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Aliyu Shuaibu Madugu, disclosed that funds expected under the revised MoU with TETFund would focus exclusively on research and staff development. Similarly, the Council’s Legal Adviser, Barrister Shehu Aliyu, advised staff and unions to operate strictly within the laws establishing ARCN to reduce litigations and strengthen governance.
Highlighting his achievements within 90 days in office, Acting Provost Dr. Umar A. Umar said he had improved the college’s visibility through closer engagement with the host community, traditional rulers, the media and strengthened internal communication among all staff tiers. He explained that several abandoned infrastructure, including greenhouses, had been reactivated, while three staff buses were repaired to ease transportation for workers and students. He also announced the establishment of an Academic Planning Unit and ongoing seedling production under the 500 Farmers Initiative.
Dr. Umar appealed for intervention to address the college’s low overhead allocation, revealing that the institution currently borrows funds to pay casual and security personnel.
The Deputy Provost reaffirmed management’s support for the Acting Provost and recommended that Dr. Umar be confirmed as substantive head, assuring that all ongoing projects would be completed within one month. He encouraged staff to maintain the harmonious environment cultivated under the former Provost, Dr. Babaworu Mamoud Ali.
Heads of units and departments also commended Dr. Umar’s leadership style, describing it as transformative, inclusive and result-driven.
The ARCN team later visited the Emirate Council of Yamaltu, where the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, applauded Dr. Dabban’s efforts to reposition the college and prayed for a sustained cordial working relationship between ARCN and the institution.
The visit ended with a tour and inspection of facilities across the college by the Executive Secretary and his team.
