A public hearing on proposals proposing the creation of federal universities and colleges of agriculture in certain states around the nation was conducted yesterday by the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
The committee will deliberate on “A Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu, Delta State; a Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Fiditi, Oyo State; a Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ako, Nike, Enugu State, and a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Ise, Ekiti State.”
On the list are “A Bill for an Act to establish Federal College of Agriculture, Misau, Bauchi State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Agila, Benue State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture and Vocational Studies, Ako-Nike, Enugu State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute, Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State, and a Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Oil Palm Research, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.”
The committee, led by Akeem Adeyemi, was tasked by the House with reviewing nine measures that aim to build new agricultural institutions, colleges, and institutes around the nation.
Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesman, sponsored one of the proposed bills. It was named “A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu, Delta State, to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration; and for related matters.”
The first time it was presented on the floor was on July 13, 2023. The bill was then unanimously approved by House members in plenary, and on November 10, 2023, it passed a second reading.
Leading the discussion on the general principles of the bill, Agbese, who represents the Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency in Benue State, stated, “nations are returning to the farm to boost their economy.” Petroleum can no longer support us in our nation. If agriculture is the way of the future, then building top-notch educational institutions need to be the priority.
“The potential benefit of this proposed institution can never be overemphasised. Over 90 per cent of the people of Ute-Okpu and neighbouring communities are farmers, hence, the need to promote and enlighten them and Nigerians on current best practices.
“The Federal University of Agriculture Ute-Okpu, Delta State, when established, will conduct education, research and environmental monitoring and assessment in collaboration with other world-class institutions.”
Before a third reading, passage, and transmission to the Senate for concurrence, the committee is supposed to present a report to the House for consideration.