By Saminu Ibrahim
The Nigerian Senate has passed for third reading a bill seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State.
SINL Nigeria Online reports that the passage of the bill on Thursday followed the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during plenary.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, is aimed at promoting agricultural education, knowledge and development in Shani and Nigeria at large.
According to Ndume said the proposed institution would equip farmers with modern agricultural knowledge and techniques to improve productivity and make farming more efficient.
He identified continued reliance on traditional farming methods as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s agricultural sector, stressing the need to embrace modern technology to boost output.
“One of the fundamental challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria is our continued reliance on crude farming methods.
“We have not made sufficient progress in improving productivity and making farming easier through modern technology,” he said.
The senator added that the college, when established, would facilitate the adoption of improved farming techniques, modern technology, better agricultural knowledge and improved crop varieties among farmers.
He noted that Shani, an agrarian local government area in Borno South, is known for the cultivation of rice, tomatoes and onions.
According to him, the area shares boundaries with Adamawa and Bauchi states, which are also known for agricultural activities.
Expressing satisfaction with the passage of the bill, Ndume described the development as one of his lifetime achievements in the National Assembly, particularly as the current legislative session approaches its end.
“I am excited about this achievement. I consider it one of my lifetime achievements in the National Assembly, especially as we approach the end of our legislative session,” he said.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the committee for its work and Ndume for sponsoring the bill, noting that the proposed institution would contribute to agricultural development in the country.
