The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment and growth of the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasama, in Jigawa State, describing the institution as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s quest for food security, youth empowerment and agricultural transformation.
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, gave the assurance during an oversight visit to the site of the proposed college in Kirikasama Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Dr. Dabban said the Federal Government would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the successful take-off and development of the institution, noting that agricultural colleges play a critical role in producing the skilled manpower required to drive innovation and growth in the sector.
“As Executive Secretary of ARCN, I assure this institution of our continued support. We remain committed to strengthening agricultural colleges through capacity building, policy support, institutional development and stronger linkages with research institutes,” he said.
According to him, the establishment of the college reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving food security, economic diversification, rural development and youth empowerment.
He stressed that Nigeria’s agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, low productivity, pest and disease outbreaks, post-harvest losses, inadequate mechanisation and limited adoption of modern technologies.
“Overcoming these challenges requires a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with practical skills, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity,” he said.
The ARCN boss highlighted the council’s achievements in agricultural research, including the development and release of improved varieties of rice, maize, cassava, sorghum, millet, cowpea, soybean, wheat, groundnut and horticultural crops.
He noted that these innovations have contributed significantly to increased yields, climate resilience and improved food production across the country.
Dr. Dabban also cited breakthroughs in livestock production, fisheries, aquaculture, mechanisation, irrigation, value addition and post-harvest management, as well as successful interventions against major agricultural threats such as Tuta Absoluta in tomato production, ginger diseases and cassava pests.
He, however, emphasised that research alone cannot transform agriculture without strong institutions capable of producing competent professionals to transfer knowledge and technology to farmers and agribusiness operators.
Describing the college as a future centre for innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship, he urged its management to embrace excellence, accountability and emerging technologies such as digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, precision farming, biotechnology and climate-smart agriculture.
He also encouraged stronger collaboration between the college, ARCN research institutes, development partners and the private sector to enhance staff development, student training and research opportunities.
Addressing students, Dr. Dabban described agriculture as a sector that goes beyond farming to encompass job creation, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
“You are the future scientists, researchers, extension agents, agribusiness entrepreneurs and policymakers who will shape the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Earlier, the pioneer Acting Provost of the college, Prof. Muhammed Gwaram, commended the ARCN Executive Secretary and his team for the visit, while briefing them on the progress of construction work and preparations for the institution’s take-off.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kirikasama Local Government Area, Alhaji Muhammad Magaji, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ARCN leadership for locating the college in the area, assuring that the host community would provide the necessary support for its success.
The oversight visit was attended by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Aliyu Shuaibu Madugu; the Public Relations Officer to the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Khadijat Oluwatoyin Ameen (ANIPR); Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Engr. Umar Muhammad Alfa; traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
ARCN is the agency responsible for coordinating agricultural research, training and extension activities in Nigeria through the National Agricultural Research Institutes and Federal Colleges of Agriculture under its supervision.
