Odita Sunday 
Dabban-Led ARCN Begins Oversight Visits to FCA, NARIs, Assures of President Tinubu’s Support
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has commenced oversight visits to colleges and institutes under the Council’s mandate.
Speaking on Monday, September 22, 2025, during his visit to the National Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Dr. Dabban expressed satisfaction with the institute’s work culture and teamwork, describing them as “the reason for the successes in NIOMR.” He urged staff to remain dedicated and continue supporting the Executive Director.
Highlighting developments since assuming office, Dr. Dabban revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Head of Service to address staff welfare issues, conditions of service, and access to funds through the Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and TETFund. He assured staff that progress was being made and results would soon follow.
“This is a new dawn and we will change the narrative. We want to have associate professors in the research circle. We need your support to change the nomenclature,” Dr. Dabban declared.
Earlier, Prof. Abiodun Sule, Executive Director of NIOMR, noted that the institute had consolidated research outputs that strengthened food security, reduced poverty, safeguarded the marine environment, and contributed to GDP growth.
He added: “The institute was established in November 1975 with the mandate to rationalize exploitation of marine resources and conservation for sustainable development, safe and healthy marine environment.”
Prof. Sule emphasized NIOMR’s role in genetic improvement of marine and brackish water species, officer and fisherman safety, post-harvest training, marine fisheries training, and related fields. He pledged continued support for ARCN in areas such as data collection.
Also speaking, Dr. Ademola Yakub, Director of the Biological Oceanography Department, disclosed that NIOMR has 627 staff members, more than half of whom are female researchers. He highlighted achievements including out-stations in Badore, Lagos, where fish feed is produced, and annex facilities housing laboratories.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary visited the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, where he praised the management’s efforts in keeping the school functional and beneficial to Nigerians. He reaffirmed ARCN’s support, particularly in welfare and schemes of service.
Dr. Dabban assured staff of progress in resolving funding challenges: “We have met with the Executive Secretary of TETFund and in the coming days, we are signing a memorandum of understanding with them, so be rest assured that issues bothering on fund for lecturers will be met soonest.”
In his remarks, Dr. Paul Chuks Onuoha, Provost of the College, outlined the institution’s major achievements, including accreditation of Marine Engineering and HND programs, plus eight additional accredited programs, alongside student population growth from 500 to 2,000.
He explained that this expansion necessitated construction of an 800-bed hostel, new engineering facilities, and modern laboratories and workshops. Dr. Onuoha also noted that the college, though off the national power grid, now operates on a 24/7 solar power system, and pledged full support to ARCN.
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