The Federal Government has pledged support for agricultural and infrastructure development at the Federal University of Education, Kontagora (FUEK), Niger State.
The assurance was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abdullahi Aliyu, during a courtesy visit by the university’s delegation to Abuja.
The delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Haruna, briefed the minister on the institution’s development priorities. The visit also sought Aliyu’s consent to name an agricultural education project after him and to solicit support for youth-focused initiatives. Additionally, the delegation sought backing for agricultural infrastructure to position the university as a centre of excellence.
Aliyu said agriculture and agricultural education are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, stressing the need to expand training capacity. “Over 70 per cent of Nigerians are involved in agriculture, directly or indirectly, highlighting the importance of skilled manpower,” he said.
He commended FUEK for integrating agricultural skills across disciplines, including physical and health education, with emphasis on nutrition. “This initiative will improve students’ productivity and set a model for other tertiary institutions,” he added.
The minister pledged to provide necessary support to ensure effective implementation of the proposed projects, describing the university’s establishment as a game changer for Niger State and neighboring states. He noted that the institution would serve students from Sokoto, Zamfara, Kwara, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“You cannot talk about quality education without teachers,” Aliyu said, lamenting the challenges teachers previously faced traveling to other states for certification.
Earlier, Prof. Haruna said the visit was to appreciate the minister’s role in establishing the university. He highlighted the need for support to strengthen agricultural education and contribute to Nigeria’s food security goals.
Haruna recalled that Aliyu sponsored the bill establishing FUEK while serving as senator for Niger North, which was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 2021.
The Vice-Chancellor requested support for modern farm machinery, renewable energy, cold rooms, greenhouses, and irrigation facilities. He also called for the establishment of agro-processing and value addition centres for training and research.
Haruna said FUEK is 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. JAMB has also approved admissions, with 432 students currently enrolled across degree programmes.
He identified inadequate funding as a major challenge affecting project completion and noted that insecurity has led to theft and vandalism of university property.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university plans to introduce entrepreneurial skills training for students and youths, covering areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer appreciation, phone repairs, catering, and tailoring. Other focus areas include fisheries, poultry, and animal husbandry.
