Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the establishment and development of the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasama, in Jigawa State as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural education and enhance food security across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, gave the assurance during an oversight visit to the site of the proposed institution in Kirikasama.
According to Dabban, the council remains committed to strengthening agricultural colleges through capacity building, policy support, institutional development and stronger linkages with research institutes.
”As Executive Secretary of ARCN, I assure this institution of our continued support. We remain committed to strengthening agricultural colleges through capacity building, policy support, institutional development, and stronger linkages with research institutes,” he said.
He noted that the establishment of the college reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving food security, economic diversification, youth empowerment and rural development.
Dabban stressed that institutions such as the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasama, would play a critical role in producing the skilled manpower required to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He described agriculture as a major pillar of the nation’s economy, providing food, employment, income and industrial raw materials, while acknowledging challenges such as climate change, low productivity, pest infestations, post-harvest losses, inadequate mechanisation and limited adoption of modern technologies.
”Overcoming these challenges requires a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with practical skills, innovation, and entrepreneurial capacity,” he stated.
The ARCN chief highlighted some of the council’s achievements over the years, including the development and release of improved varieties of rice, maize, cassava, sorghum, millet, cowpea, soybean, wheat, groundnut and horticultural crops.
According to him, these innovations have improved crop yields, enhanced resilience to climate change and boosted food production nationwide.
He added that ARCN research institutes have also recorded successes in livestock production, fisheries, aquaculture, mechanisation, irrigation, value addition and post-harvest management.
Dabban further disclosed that research efforts have helped tackle major agricultural threats such as Tuta Absoluta in tomato production, ginger diseases and cassava pests, among other challenges affecting food security.
He, however, emphasised that research alone was insufficient without strong institutions capable of producing competent professionals to transfer knowledge to farmers and drive agricultural development at the grassroots.
The Executive Secretary commended the Federal Government, the Jigawa State Government, traditional institutions, host communities and other stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful take-off of the college.
He described the institution as strategically positioned to serve as a centre for innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and community development.
Dabban urged the management of the college to embrace excellence, innovation and accountability while preparing students for emerging trends in modern agriculture, including digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, precision farming, biotechnology and climate-smart agriculture.
He also encouraged stronger collaboration between the college, ARCN research institutes, development partners and the private sector to promote research, technology transfer and staff and student development.
Addressing students, he said agriculture extends beyond farming and encompasses food security, job creation, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
”You are the future scientists, researchers, extension agents, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and policymakers who will shape the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. I urge you to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence,” he said.
Earlier, the pioneer Acting Provost of the college, Prof. Muhammed Gwaram, expressed appreciation to the ARCN Executive Secretary and his delegation for the visit, while briefing them on the level of construction work and other preparations for the commencement of academic activities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kirikasama Local Government Area, Alhaji Muhammad Mag, commended President Bola Tinubu and the ARCN leadership for citing the institution in the area and assured of the community’s support for its successful take-off.
The oversight visit was attended by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Aliyu Shuaibu Madugu; the Public Relations Officer to the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Khadijat Oluwatoyin Ameen (ANIPR); the Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Engr. Umar Muhammad Alfa; traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria is responsible for coordinating agricultural research, training and extension activities nationwide through the National Agricultural Research Institutes and Federal Colleges of Agriculture under its supervision.
The council promotes the generation and dissemination of technologies aimed at improving agricultural productivity and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.
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