By Abba – Eku Onyeka, Abuja
Senator Shehu, Kaka Lawan (APC, Borno Central), who doubles as Senate Committee Chairman on Special Duties has explained why he sponsored a bill titled: A Bill for Establishment of Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, Borno State, Bill 2024 (SB 185)
He made the explanation at a public hearing organized on Monday by the Senate Committee on Tartiary Institutions and TETFund in National Assembly Monday.
In his explanations, he said the university will provide youths with skills and knowledge to thrive in the agricultural sector, by equipping them with practical training and entrepreneurial skills. According to him, a new generation of farmers can be empowered and agribusiness leaders and innovators produced, adding that it will create jobs, reduce poverty, and stimulate local economies.
Further, he said that if established, the institution will contribute to enhancing Nigeria’s food production capabilities. By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and innovative farming techniques, he went on , Nigerians can ensure that Nigeria not only meets its food needs but also becomes a leader in agricultural exports.
The university, according to him will serve as a center for research and development, addressing the unique agricultural challenges faced by our region. By fostering collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector, we can develop innovative solutions to combat issues such as climate change, pest management, and soil degradation.
Speaking on the area of community development, the lawmaker however believed that the establishment of the university will create a ripple effect in the community, enhancing local infrastructure and services. He therefore added that it will attract investments, stimulate local businesses, and improve the quality of life for residents in Bama and its surroundings. He also stared that it will serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring young people to pursue education and careers in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
On national development goals, he says that the institution aligns with Nigeria’s national development goals, particularly in promoting sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “By investing in education and agriculture, we are investing in a prosperous and sustainable future for Nigeria,” he stated.
Declaring the public hearing open, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, emphasized the importance of education and innovation in driving national development, even as he stressed that education is the cornerstone of national development.
The proposed university aims to equip students with skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship, fostering self-reliance and resilience among young people. Akpabio urged stakeholders to support the establishment of the university, which he described as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth of Borno State and beyond.
The public hearing marked a significant step towards the enactment of the legal framework for the university’s establishment. Akpabio commended the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for their diligence and commitment to the initiative.
The chairman of the senate committee,
Senator Dandutse Muntari Mohammed, while assuring the sponsor of the bill of establishing the institution, similarly said that if established, it will contribute immensely in job creation, food security and abundance. Still hailing Kaka for coming up with such bill, he believed that the institution will contribute to economic development in Nigeria in no small measure.
