By Saminu Ibrahim
(SINL NIGERIA) The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has said the enactment of a legal framework of the bill for an act to establish the federal university of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship development in Bama, Borno State is a significant step towards advancing educational opportunities in Nigeria.
He said the citing of the institution particularly in the North Eastern region is germane, saying the region has endured numerous challenges in recent years.
The Senate President spoke on Monday while declaring open the public hearing on the bill for an act to establish the federal university of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Development, Bama,
held in Abuja.
The public hearing was organized by the Senate committee on Tertiary institutions and TETFUND.
Akpabio, who was represented by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) noted that the Agricultural sector holds immense potential for job creation and food security, stressing that “it is imperative that we harness this potential through education and research”.
The bill sponsored by Senator Shehu Kaka (Borno Central), Akpabio urged the committee to consider the integration of modern technologies in the university’s curriculum to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Additionally, Akpabio said “with the strong support of the federal government, our international partners, private sector involvement, and the local community, the synchronization of these institutions and stakeholders can bring expertise, technology and resources to help make the university a center of excellence”.
Earlier, in a welcome address by chairman of the committee, Senator Muntari Dandutse said the establishment of the university goes beyond creating another institution of higher learning, pointing out that it aim to achieve Agricultural advancement, Entrepreneurship development and regional development and stability among others.
He explained that the bill envisions a specialized institution that will make significant contributions in educational innovation in agriculture and Entrepreneurship, employment and skills development and post conflict transformation.
