Accra:The Senate has passed a bill for the third reading to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in the Shani Local Government Area of Borno. This move came after the Senate adopted recommendations from a report presented by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during a plenary session.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mohammed Ndume (APC-Borno South), emphasized that the proposed institution aims to enhance agricultural knowledge, boost productivity, and encourage the adoption of modern farming techniques. Ndume highlighted that one of the significant challenges in Nigerian agriculture is the continued reliance on outdated farming methods, which hampers productivity and complicates farming processes.
Ndume elaborated that the college, once established, would disseminate improved farming techniques and technologies, as well as advanced agricultural knowledge and crop varieties to local farmers. He underscored the importance of Shani, a local government area renowned for its agricultural activities, particularly rice, tomatoes, and onions cultivation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the committee and Sen. Ndume for their efforts, noting that the institution would significantly contribute to agricultural development in Nigeria. The bill is set to be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent, following legislative procedures.