The Federal Government has pledged its commitment to strengthening agricultural education and infrastructure development at the Federal University of Education, Kontagora (FUEK), Niger State, as an effort to drive food security and youth skills development in Nigeria.
The assurance was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abdullahi Aliyu, during a courtesy visit by the university’s management team in Abuja.
The delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Faruk Haruna, outlined the institution’s development priorities and sought the ministry’s support for agriculture-led initiatives.
Aliyu described agriculture and agricultural education as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that more than 70 per cent of Nigerians are engaged in the sector, either directly or indirectly.
He stressed that expanding training capacity and developing skilled manpower remain critical to improving productivity and national food systems.
Commending FUEK’s approach, the minister praised the university for embedding agricultural skills across disciplines, including physical and health education, with a strong focus on nutrition.
According to him, such integration will not only enhance student productivity but also serve as a model for other tertiary institutions.
He pledged the ministry’s support to ensure the effective implementation of proposed agricultural projects, describing the establishment of the university as a “game changer” for Niger State and neighbouring regions.
Aliyu noted that FUEK is well-positioned to serve students from Sokoto, Zamfara, Kwara, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory.
“You cannot talk about quality education without teachers,” the minister said, while lamenting the difficulties teachers previously faced in travelling to other states to obtain certification.
Earlier, Professor Haruna said the visit was to appreciate Aliyu’s role in establishing the university and to seek further support to strengthen agricultural education in line with Nigeria’s food security objectives.
He recalled that the minister sponsored the bill establishing FUEK while serving as senator for Niger North, which was signed into law on 31 December 2021.
The Vice-Chancellor requested support for key agricultural infrastructure, including modern farm machinery, renewable energy systems, cold rooms, greenhouses and irrigation facilities.
He also proposed the establishment of agro-processing and value addition centres to support hands-on training and applied research.
Haruna disclosed that FUEK is leading among newly established Federal Universities of Education, excluding Adeyemi University of Education, citing achievements such as NUC operational licensing and approval of 34 academic programmes.
He added that JAMB has approved admissions, with 432 students currently enrolled across degree programmes.
However, he identified inadequate funding as a major constraint affecting project completion, while insecurity has resulted in theft and vandalism of university property.
Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor said the university plans to introduce wide-ranging entrepreneurial and vocational training for students and young people, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer appreciation, phone repairs, catering and tailoring.
Agricultural training areas will cover fisheries, poultry and animal husbandry, further positioning the institution as a hub for skills development and sustainable livelihoods.
Source: NAN
