(SINL NIGERIA) The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has reaffirmed commitment to addressing challenges bedeviling Agricultural Research institutes and federal colleges of Agriculture.
Dr. Dabban made the pledge at a working visit to the Federal college of fresh water fisheries technical, Baga, Maiduguri and the lake Chad research institute, Maiduguri.
He charged the Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs) to redouble their efforts in training, research, and extension services in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
He commended management and staff for their commitment despite sectoral challenges, adding that the Colleges play a critical role in advancing the mandate of the ARCN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He observed that agriculture remains a major driver of Nigeria’s economy, with even greater expectations under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the declared emergency on food security.
“We must strengthen research, training, and extension to fast-track innovation, boost productivity, and help Nigeria achieve the SDGs by 2030,” Dabban said.
He disclosed that ARCN is engaging with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to ensure the agricultural research subsector benefits from its interventions. The Council, he added, has also re-initiated the review of the Conditions and Schemes of Service for the National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and FCAs, in collaboration with the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, to improve staff welfare and institutional performance.
He disclosed that reforms underway include strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation system, updating management guidelines for NARIs and FCAs, and advocating for upgraded laboratories, workshops, and infrastructure across institutions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dabban directed the FCAs to: submit annual budgets, quarterly reports, and annual reports promptly, maintain proper communication channels with the Council, provide updated staff nominal rolls annually, submit lists of staff due for promotion with relevant documentation ahead of examinations and forward new research technologies developed to the Council for system-wide updates.
He urged the Colleges to accord due respect to ARCN staff on official assignments and to continue fostering innovation and collaboration.
“Our collective responsibility is to ensure agriculture drives growth, creates jobs, and guarantees food security for our nation.”
The executive secretary also explained how the condition of service works. He said the push is not over as separate detailed condition of service for the colleges and institutes is underway.
Receiving the guests, the Provost, Federal college of fresh water fisheries technology, Baga, Maiduguri, Prof Modu Bako and the Executive Director lake Chad research institute, Prof Babagana Jubrin: appreciated the executive Secretary and the executives of the school for the support.
They highlighted achievements of their schools and appealed that the ES bring back Education Trust Fund (ETF) and TETFUND for interventions for institutes and colleges of Agriculture.
