The Federal Government has announced a N47 billion intervention aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural and medical education sectors. Of this sum, N30 billion is designated for universities of agriculture, with each institution set to receive N1 billion to establish mechanized farms.
Meanwhile, 18 medical schools across the country will share N17 billion to enhance the training of healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses.
In a meeting with pro-chancellors of federal universities in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, detailed how this funding will contribute to Nigeria’s food security and improve the healthcare workforce. He emphasized that the funds for agricultural universities are pivotal to boosting agricultural productivity nationwide. “Every university that has a faculty of agriculture, we now want you to set up your own mechanised farming and livestock production. And we have put aside about N30 billion for that,” Alausa said. “We will give you N1 billion. You will have to apply for N1 billion to set up your mechanised farming in these universities. This President, one of his first pillars in his priority area is food security.”
Alausa also expressed concerns over the growing trend of specialized universities, such as agricultural institutions, offering courses outside their traditional fields, citing examples of universities of agriculture teaching accounting and universities of technology offering insurance programs. “This is a deviation from their core mandates,” he remarked.
Additionally, the minister addressed the importance of collaboration between governing councils and university management, urging mutual respect and dignity in their relations.
Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities (CPCNFU) and Pro-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, spoke on the significance of the meeting. He noted that it provided an opportunity to reflect on their roles, share innovative ideas, and develop strategies for improving university management.
