Reps back proposed Federal University of Agriculture, Igbo-Ora in Oyo

Members of the House of Representatives have expressed overwhelming support for the bill which seeks to establish a Federal University of Agriculture, Igboora, Oyo State.

The private member bill sponsored by a member representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon Ajibola Muraina, seeks to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration.

In his lead debate Hon. Muraina who underscored the need for the establishment of more universities of agriculture as part of the ongoing efforts aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy through the development of the agricultural sector observed that “there are three Federal Universities of Agriculture in Nigeria sited in Abeokuta, Ogun State; Makurdi, Benue State; and Umudike, Abia State.”

According to him, “the essence of establishing these universities is to create world-class universities which shall be dedicated to the study of agricultural sciences and technology. This includes the cultivation of renewable raw materials and the reproduction of food for humans and animals. The goal is to produce food efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way.

“The objectives of the bill, include: provide a legal framework for the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture, Igboora, Oyo State with a view to confer the status and distinct legal identity on the institution, guarantees a perpetual succession of the institution, enable the institution to sue and be sued, defines the administrative structure of the institution and regulates the internal activities of the institution. This will also enable the institution to enjoy budgetary allocation from the annual appropriation Act.”

The former chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Muraina who proposed Igboora town for the localisation of the university observed that the proposed “university will have first-class facilities and recruit personnel to meet the standards prescribed by the National University Commission. This include and admitting students from all over the country. This would enhance the opportunity of the indigenes to get better paid jobs.

“This shall impact positively on the social and economic activities of the town. Nigeria, as of now has three Federal Universities of Agriculture, but the Federal Government has plans to establish more.

“The establishment of the Federal University in the town of Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government Area, Oyo State, is a big step towards realising this plans and it shall give the indigenes of the town a sense of belonging in the country. As of now, there is no federal presence in Igboora town,” he noted.

He also expressed optimism that the establishment of the university will expand the space for admission to tertiary institutions in Nigeria, noting that: “A country with a population of over 201 million citizens, over 60% of which are youths, three Federal universities of agriculture is grossly inadequate for the ever-growing demands of the youth for tertiary education.”

According to him, “in the past 10 years, about 1.6 million secondary school graduates applied for admission in tertiary institutions in Nigeria annually. However, less than 100,000 are admitted yearly.”

Following the overwhelming support enjoyed by the bill, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, referred the bill to the House Committee on Agriculture for further legislative action.

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