The House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind a proposed piece of legislation which seeks to establish a Federal University of Agriculture, Igboora in Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria.
The private member bill which scaled second reading on the plenary on the floor of the House last week is being sponsored by Hon, Ajibola Muraina, member representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo state.
The legislation seeks to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration; and provide for other related matters.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Hon. Muraina who underscored the need for the establishment of more University of Agriculture as part of the ongoing efforts aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy through the development of agricultural sector, observed that “there are three Federal Universities of Agriculture in Nigeria sited in Abeokuta, Ogun State; Makurdi, Benue State; and Umudike, Abia State.
He argued that “the essence of establishing these Universities is to create world Class Universities which shall be dedicated to the study of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. This includes the cultivation of renewable raw materials and reproduction of food for humans and animals. The goal is to produce food efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way.”
“The objectives of the bill, include: provide legal framework for the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture, Igboora, Oyo State with a view to conferring the status and distinct legal identity on the institution, guarantees perpetual succession of the institution, enable the institution to sue and be sued, defines the administrative structure of the institution and regulates the internal activities of the institution. This will also enable the institution enjoy budgetary allocation from the annual appropriation Act.”
The former chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Muraina who proposed Igboora town as the location of the University also observed that “the proposed University will have first class facilities and recruit Personnel to meet the standards prescribed by the National University Commission. This include admitting students from all over the country. This would enhance the opportunity of the indigenes to get better paid jobs.
“This shall impact positively on the social and economic activities of the town. Nigeria, as of now has three Federal Universities of Agriculture, but the Federal Government has plans to establish more.
“The establishment of the Federal University in the town of Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government Area, Oyo State, is a big step towards realising this plans and it shall give the indigenes of the town a sense of belonging in the country.As of now, there is no federal presence in Igboora town,” he noted.
He also expressed optimism that the establishment of the University will expand the space for admission to tertiary institutions in Nigeria, noting that: “A country with population of over 201 million citizens, over 60% of which are youths, 3 Federal Universities of Agriculture is grossly inadequate for the ever growing demands of the youth for tertiary education.”
According to him, “In the past 10 years, about 1.6 million secondary school graduates applied for admission in tertiary institutions in Nigeria annually. However, less than 100,000 are admitted yearly.”
Hon. Muraina also argued that the establishment of the Institution will enhance the economic capacity of the country, adding that “In 2020, about 24% of the Gross Domestic Product of Nigeria was generated by Agricultural Sector. Besides 80% of the Nigeria populace rely on the agricultural sector for their means of livelihood. That means the agricultural sector is very critical component of the Nigeria economy any investment that is targeted at enhancing agricultural production is money well spent.”
“This university of Agriculture will afford more Nigerians the opportunity of acquiring specialized knowledge and skills in Agricultural Science and Technologies. Based on empirical evidence, the more educated the citizens of a Country are, the better the chances of that country to transform from an underdeveloped nation to a developed nation, or from a poor nation to a wealthy one. This is more so for Nigeria.”
According to him, the proposed Federal University of Agriculture when operational will carry out research on science and technology in the Agricultural sector
“Over 80% of Nigerians depend on the agricultural sector for their livelihoods. But however, they practice subsistence farming and trade the surplus, they rely on crude farming tools and poor yielding seedlings, they are also at the mercy of the weather, etc. All these challenges encountered by farmers in Nigeria can be overcome through scientific research and the adoption of modern technology.
“The establishment of this institution would be relevant in carrying out research on how to improve the seedlings, the tools and the techniques or practices of farming in the rural areas with a view to improving the capacity of the farmers. This obviously will impact on the economic wellbeing of individual farmers and the nation at large.
“Nigeria imports more than half of its foods consumption. It also imports several agricultural produce as raw materials for its industries. Besides, due to the limited admission spaces in our tertiary institutions, a lot of Nigerians who are qualified for admission are denied admission, consequently, those whose parents could afford it, are compelled to seek for admission in academic institutions outside Nigeria.
“The tuition fees in most cases are valued in foreign currency. These drain the scarce foreign exchange in the country which results into the devaluation of the Naira.
The establishment of this University is a big step to curtail this waste of our foreign exchange, Hon. Muraina stressed.
Following the overwhelming support enjoyed by the bill, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila referred the bill to the House Committee on Agriculture for further legislative action.
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