The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Dr Abubakar Adamu Dabban, says he is impressed with the rapid progress recorded at the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa, barely three months after the appointment of an acting provost.
Dr Dabban, who visited the college on November 2 as part of his familiarisation tour, said releasing Dr Umar A. Umar to head the institution was “a tough call” but one that had proved worthwhile.
“It was not an easy decision to bring Dr Umar A. Umar here, but I’m satisfied with his achievements just three months in acting capacity,” he said.
The ARCN boss directed the college management to apply for waivers to address salary concerns affecting casual workers, stressing the need to absorb qualified ones into the federal payroll. He also charged the school to sustain its visibility through media engagement and community outreach.
Dr Dabban disclosed that ARCN was pushing for its colleges to benefit from TETFund interventions. “An MOU is currently on the table, and once approved, our colleges will begin to benefit,” he stated.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Aliyu Shuaibu Madugu, added that funds expected through the MOU would be dedicated entirely to research and staff development.
Also, the Council’s Legal Adviser, Barrister Shehu Aliyu, cautioned staff and unions against actions inconsistent with the ARCN Act, warning that non-compliance often leads to avoidable litigations.
Earlier, the Acting Provost, Dr Umar, highlighted what he called significant achievements within 90 days of leadership, including improved stakeholder relations, reactivation of abandoned facilities, repair of staff buses, improved internal communication and the establishment of the Academic Planning Unit.
He also pointed to the ongoing “500 Farmers Initiative,” focused on seedling production. Dr Umar appealed to the Executive Secretary to assist with the college’s low overhead allocation, lamenting that the institution currently borrows money to pay casual and security staff.
The management team and unit heads unanimously praised the acting provost’s leadership, with the Deputy Provost recommending that he be confirmed as substantive provost.
The ARCN delegation later visited the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, who commended Dr Dabban for the reforms taking place at the college and prayed for a harmonious working relationship between the council and the college leadership.
The visit concluded with a tour of the institution’s facilities.
ARCN Chief Hails Acting Provost’s Performance, Moves To Secure TETFund Suppor For Horticulture College
