FG pledges support for agriculture at Education University
Agriculture
By Felicia Imohimi
Abuja, Jan. 21, 2026 (NAN)The Federal Government has pledged to support agricultural and infrastructure development at the Federal University of Education, Kontagora (FUEK), Niger State.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abdullahi Aliyu, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the university’s delegation in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Haruna, who briefed the minister on the institution’s development priorities.
The visit sought the minister’s consent to name an agricultural education project after him and to solicit support for youth-focused initiatives.
It also aimed to secure the ministry’s backing for agricultural infrastructure to position the university as a centre of excellence.
Aliyu said agriculture and agricultural education were the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, stressing the need to expand training capacity.
He said over 70 per cent of Nigerians were involved in agriculture, directly or indirectly, noting the importance of skilled manpower.
Aliyu commended the university for integrating agricultural skills across disciplines, including physical and health education, with emphasis on nutrition.
He said the initiative would improve students’ productivity and set a model for other tertiary institutions.
The minister pledged to provide necessary support to ensure effective implementation of the proposed projects.
Aliyu described the university’s establishment as a game changer for Niger State and neighbouring states.
He noted that it would serve students from Sokoto, Zamfara, Kwara, Kaduna and the FCT.
The minister lamented the challenges teachers previously faced travelling to other states for certification.
“You cannot talk about quality education without teachers,” Aliyu said.
Earlier, Haruna said the visit was to appreciate the minister’s role in establishing the university.
He said the institution required support to strengthen agricultural education and contribute to Nigeria’s food security goals.
Haruna recalled that Aliyu sponsored the bill establishing the university while serving as senator for Niger North.
He said the bill was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Dec. 31, 2021.
The Vice-Chancellor sought support for modern farm machinery, renewable energy, cold rooms, greenhouses and irrigation facilities.
He also requested the establishment of agro-processing and value addition centres for training and research.
Haruna said FUEK was leading among newly established Federal Universities of Education, excluding Adeyemi University of Education.
He listed achievements including NUC operational licensing and approval of 34 academic programmes.
He said JAMB had approved admissions, with 432 students enrolled across degree programmes.
Haruna identified inadequate funding as a major challenge affecting project completion.
He added that insecurity had led to theft and vandalism of university property.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university would introduce entrepreneurial skills training for students and youths.
He said training areas included cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer appreciation, phone repairs, catering and tailoring.
Other focus areas include fisheries, poultry and animal husbandry. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
FUA/TAK
Edited by Tosin Kolade
