The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has expressed satisfaction with the rapid progress made by the Federal College of Horticulture.
Dr Dabban made this known at a familiarization visit to the college in Dandinkowa, Gombe State on Friday, 21st November, 2025.
The Executive Secretary noted that releasing Dr. Umar, A Umar to come and act as the provost was not an easy decision, but the achievements so far has justified the move.
Responding to the issues raised by staff and unions, the Executive Secretary advised the Provost to apply for waivers to address payments for casual staff and other internal expenditures.
“It was not an easy decision to bring Dr. Umar A. Umar here but I’m satisfied with his achievements just 3 months in acting capacity. On the issue of payment, absorb qualified casual staff into the federal payroll, this will help ease the burden while also having the best hands to do the job.”
Dr Dabban also revealed that efforts are underway to ensure that ARCN colleges are included in the TETFund intervention scheme, with an MOU proposal currently under consideration.
Additionally, he encouraged the College to introduce new academic programs and strengthen vocational skill training such as tailoring and related trades. This he said will help those who may be interested in the field.
On his part, Dr. Aliyu Shuaibu Madugu, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics disclosed that funds to be released under the new MOU with TETFund would be targeted exclusively at research and staff development.
Barr. Shehu Aliyu, Legal Adviser to the council who was also among the entourage advised the management, Staff and union to carry out their activities in line with the laws establishing the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria. This he said will help reduce numbers of litigtion.
Acting Provost Highlights Key Achievements spoke about his achievements in his 90days acting capacity.
He said the Improved visibility of the College through enhanced engagement with the host community, traditional rulers, media organizations, and social media platforms to boost enrollment.
Strengthened internal communication among management, academic staff, non-academic staff, unions, and casual workers and enhanced security and communication systems, including activation of official information channels was also achieved in the 3 months stay.
Dr. Umar said his assumption of office gave birth to the reactivation of abandoned infrastructure, such as greenhouses and other key facilities. Repair of three staff buses, significantly easing transportation for staff and students.
The school has also Established the Academic Planning Unit, described as the “engine room” of the College, Implementation of the 500 Farmers Initiative, a program currently underway for seedling production.
However, The Acting Provost appealed to the Executive Secretary for intervention in addressing the College’s low overhead allocation, noting that the institution currently borrows funds to pay casual and security personnel.
The Deputy Provost provided an overview of the College’s facilities and academic programs, reaffirming the full support of management and recommending that Dr. Umar be confirmed as the substantive Provost. He assured that all ongoing projects would be completed within one month and encouraged staff to sustain the harmonious working environment established under the former Provost, Dr. Babaworu Mamoud Ali and sustained by the present acting provost.
On their part, the management and Units heads Commended the Provost’s Leadership. They unanimously hailed Dr. Umar’s transformational leadership.
The Tour was also extended to the Emirate Council of Yamaltu,where the Emir of Yamaltu Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu applauded the effort of the Executive Secretary in changing the face of the college, the Emir prayed for smooth and cordial working relationship between ARCN and the Acting Provost Dr Umar A Umar.
Highpoint of the event was the Inspection of College Facilities by the Executive Secretary and his team.
