Senate passes Osun agric varsity bill for first, second readings

“The Nigerian Senate has taken significant strides toward strengthening the agricultural sector by approving the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State, for first and second readings. The bill, introduced by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, aims to create an institution dedicated to the holistic study of agriculture and tropical environments, which will play a pivotal role in addressing the nation’s agricultural needs.

The proposed university is positioned to serve as a training ground for agricultural experts, supporting education, research, and practical solutions in agriculture, while contributing to national development. Senator Bamidele emphasized that agriculture is a key source of livelihood, particularly in rural areas, and plays an important role in the country’s GDP. The institution will help advance agricultural skills, increase farmer incomes, and create employment opportunities, while also focusing on postgraduate training and innovation in agricultural resource management.

The bill has now been referred to the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND for further consideration and a public hearing, demonstrating a swift legislative commitment to enhancing agricultural education and addressing food security.
Source- Punch

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies in Osun State has several implications for the agri-food sector in Nigeria, particularly for stakeholders in education, rural development, and agricultural productivity. This move by the Senate reflects the importance of specialized agricultural education as a foundational tool for advancing national agricultural capabilities.

Key Opportunities for Agri-Food Stakeholders:

Capacity Building for the Agricultural Sector: The proposed university represents a significant step toward building a skilled workforce for the agriculture sector. By focusing on tropical studies and practical agricultural skills, the institution will equip graduates with the knowledge required to address region-specific challenges. This can help alleviate skills gaps and enhance productivity throughout the agricultural value chain.

Boost for Research and Innovation: The inclusion of postgraduate training and a focus on research is crucial for advancing agricultural technologies and practices. Stakeholders in agri-business and research institutions can leverage this new university as a platform for collaboration and innovation, particularly in areas like sustainable farming practices, climate adaptation, and value chain optimization.

Promotion of Economic Diversification: The Senate Leader’s emphasis on the university supporting the “back to land” policy aligns with Nigeria’s goal of diversifying the economy away from oil dependency. By training agricultural experts, the institution will help enhance productivity in primary production and agro-processing, contributing to food security, export growth, and overall economic diversification.

Fostering Rural Development: Agriculture is a critical livelihood provider in rural areas, and this initiative will directly benefit rural communities through education, skills development, and employment opportunities. The university’s focus on practical training and local needs will help address specific challenges faced by rural farmers, supporting community development and resilience.

Catalyzing Investment in Agricultural Value Chains: The proposed institution’s focus on research, practical training, and skills development will likely have positive ripple effects across the entire agricultural value chain—from input supply and production to processing and marketing. Investors may find new opportunities in agribusiness, especially in sectors supported by a growing workforce of trained agricultural professionals.

Strategic Recommendations for Stakeholders:
Collaborative Programs with the University: Agri-businesses, NGOs, and research institutes should seek partnerships with the university to offer internships, training programs, and joint research initiatives. This collaboration can create a steady flow of talent and facilitate the exchange of practical industry knowledge.

Government and Private Sector Investment in Infrastructure: For the proposed university to achieve its goals, adequate infrastructure for training, research, and fieldwork will be essential. The government and private sector should collaborate to ensure that facilities, research centers, and demonstration farms are established and maintained.

Leveraging the University’s Expertise for Extension Services: The expertise generated by the university should be utilized to strengthen extension services in Osun State and beyond. This can ensure that the latest research and innovations are effectively disseminated to local farmers, improving productivity and sustainability.

Focus on Value Addition and Agri-Entrepreneurship: The university’s curriculum should incorporate modules on agri-business, value addition, and entrepreneurship to enable graduates to establish their ventures. This will not only generate employment but also add value to raw agricultural products, increasing their market potential.

Policy Support for Graduates and Research Outputs: Policymakers should work to create an enabling environment that allows graduates to transition smoothly into the workforce and utilize research outputs for agricultural advancement. This includes providing funding and grants for agricultural startups and commercializing research innovations.

The establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies is a promising initiative to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural education and research capacity, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and economically diversified agri-food sector. Stakeholders must actively participate in shaping the institution’s development and leveraging its potential for the broader benefit of the agricultural community.”