FG seeks amendment of Act establishing Universities of Agriculture for impact

Federal Government is currently seeking the amendment of the Act Establishing the Universities of Agriculture in the country,this is even as it has commenced the process of gradually moving the Universities of Agriculture away from the Ministry of Education to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
‎Audu Ogbeh the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development said on Tuesday in Abuja that a committee has been constituted to look at the Act establishing the Universities of Agriculture to ensure they are properly moved to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture,without any conflict with the Federal Ministry of Education.
‎The three Universities in focus are: Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike in Abia state;Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta,and Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi.
Ogbe said at the meeting with Vice Chancellors and Pro-chancellors of the Universities that the federal Government is taking the step to adjust ‎the laws to ensure the Universities of Agriculture focus on solving industry needs through innovation driven research.

He adds also that the federal government would be willing to expand the Universities to 15 once it finishes the process ‎moving away the Universities to the federal Ministries of agriculture.

“‎Our annual food import still hovers around $22bn annually. Rice alone takes $5 million in the country,and we have all these institutions. This is the time to think the future”he adds.

” India has 87 Universities of Agriculture and you know they are exporting rice to us. Brazil has 70 Universities ‎of Agriculture and they are exporting rice to us.”Ogbeh said while briefing the press.

Ogbeh also pointed out in the meeting that the federal government is already getting interest from research Institutes in Europe and America who are ready to assist Nigeria Agricultural Universities to grow their research methodology in addressing industry needs.

He advised the three Universities of Agriculture to even commercialise their research as there are possibilities of research grants from advanced Agricultural research Institutes who are seeking for collaboration Nigeria.

“The Chinese have contacted us for Soymilk and legumes. Our Universities of Agriculture can make huge money from these openings,for I know whatever you get from the federal government as support is not enough. Think of commercialising your research findings and expand your impact”

‎The Federal Government in February commenced the process of moving the Universities of Agriculture ‎to the federal Ministry of Agriculture to allow them play a leading role in research that address industry needs.
The Universities,Ogbeh notes further would be allowed to commercialise their research findings,while ensuring they solve industry needs through their researches.

‎Responding on behalf of the pro-chancellors,Aboki Jawa,the pro-chancellor of the University of Makurdi said they are already working with the federal Ministry to ensure that possible areas of amendments are well articulated before the National Assembly is engaged on it.

 

HARRISON EDEH, ABUJA