Reps hold public hearing on new agric varsities today

The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions will today (Monday) hold a public hearing on bills seeking the establishment of federal universities and colleges of agriculture in some states of the country.

The committee will deliberate on “A Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu, Delta State; A Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Fiditi, Oyo State; a Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ako, Nike, Enugu State, and a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Ise, Ekiti State.

On the list are “A Bill for an Act to establish Federal College of Agriculture, Misau, Bauchi State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Agila, Benue State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture and Vocational Studies, Ako-Nike, Enugu State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute, Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State, and a Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Oil Palm Research, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.”

It will be recalled that the House had mandated the committee, chaired by Akeem Adeyemi, to consider nine bills seeking the establishment of new agricultural universities, colleges and institutes across the country.

One of the proposed legislation, titled, “A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu, Delta State, to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration; and for related matters,” was sponsored by the deputy spokesman for the House, Philip Agbese.

It was first introduced on the floor on July 13, 2023.

The bill, thereafter, passed a second reading on November 10, 2023, after it was unanimously adopted by members of the House at plenary.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Benue State, while leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, said, “Nations are returning to the farm to boost their economy.

“In our darling country, petroleum can no longer sustain us. If agriculture is the way forward, the focus should be on establishing world-class learning institutions.

“The potential benefit of this proposed institution can never be overemphasised. Over 90 per cent of the people of Ute-Okpu and neighbouring communities are farmers, hence the need to promote and enlighten them and Nigerians on current best practices.

“The Federal University of Agriculture Ute-Okpu, Delta State, when established, will conduct education, research, and environmental monitoring and assessment in collaboration with other world-class institutions.”

The committee is expected to submit a report to the House for consideration ahead of a third reading, passage and transmission to the Senate for concurrence.