The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the challenges facing federal agricultural research institutes and colleges across the country.
Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, made this known during a working visit to the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Baga, Maiduguri, and the Lake Chad Research Institute, Maiduguri.
Dr. Dabban charged the Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs) to intensify efforts in training, research, and extension services in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
He commended management and staff of the institutions for their resilience and dedication despite sectoral challenges, noting that agricultural colleges play a pivotal role in advancing the mandates of both the ARCN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
According to him, agriculture remains a key driver of Nigeria’s economy, with heightened expectations under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the government’s declared emergency on food security.
“We must strengthen research, training, and extension to fast-track innovation, boost productivity, and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030,” Dabban said.
The ARCN boss revealed that the Council is in active engagement with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to ensure the agricultural research subsector benefits from its interventions.
He also disclosed ongoing reforms, including the review of the Conditions and Schemes of Service for National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and FCAs, in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, to enhance staff welfare and institutional performance.
Other reforms, according to Dr. Dabban, include strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation system, updating management guidelines for agricultural institutions, and advocating for upgraded laboratories, workshops, and infrastructure.
He further directed the Federal Colleges of Agriculture to submit annual budgets, reports, staff nominal rolls, and promotion lists promptly, while ensuring proper communication with the Council. He also encouraged them to forward new research innovations to ARCN for system-wide updates.
“Our collective responsibility is to ensure agriculture drives growth, creates jobs, and guarantees food security for our nation,” Dabban emphasized.
Receiving the ARCN delegation, the Provost of the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Baga, Prof. Modu Bako, and the Executive Director of the Lake Chad Research Institute, Prof. Babagana Jubrin, appreciated the Executive Secretary’s visit and lauded the Council’s support. They also appealed for renewed intervention from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and TETFund to boost infrastructure and research capacity in agricultural institutions.