The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has called on agricultural colleges and research institutes in Ibadan to deepen their contributions to national food security through strengthened research, training, and innovation.
Dr. Dabban, who spoke during a familiarization visit to the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, said agricultural institutions under the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) are critical to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the state of emergency on food security. He urged them to expand manpower training, vocational skill acquisition, and dissemination of research technologies to fast-track innovation and boost productivity.
The ARCN boss highlighted ongoing reforms, including a review of the Conditions and Schemes of Service for National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs), as well as efforts to secure Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) interventions for the agricultural sub-sector. He also directed the institutions to submit annual budgets, reports, and records of research outputs promptly, while prioritizing improved laboratories, workshops, and infrastructure that meet global standards.
Welcoming the ARCN leadership, the Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, described the visit as historic and expressed optimism that it would strengthen collaboration in research, training, and community outreach. Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin, and Acting Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, commended the Executive Secretary’s visit, described it as a catalyst for growth and new partnerships.
The visit featured an interactive session with staff and students, a guided tour of facilities, and attendance by provosts, research directors, and other key stakeholders in agricultural education and research.
