Stakeholders in the agricultural sector on Thursday validated the Report of the Baseline/Needs Assessment Survey of the 16 Agricultural Research Institutions and 17 Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria conducted by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
The Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammed Abu Ibrahim, during the Validation Exercise, said the purpose is to analyse the state of agricultural research institutes and colleges of agriculture, the strengths, gaps, opportunities and constraints.
While highlighting the importance of research, Ibrahim said no nation has ever achieved greatness without investing in knowledge, discovery, and innovation.
“The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) was established to address agricultural finance challenges and enhance the potential of Nigeria’s agriculture and food systems, with the goal of promoting sustainable development and food security.
“In line with this mandate, we conducted a comprehensive baseline and needs assessment survey to evaluate the state of our agricultural research institutes and colleges.
“This effort, supported by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), has provided invaluable insights into the strengths, gaps, and opportunities within our agricultural research and training ecosystem.
“Key findings from these reports highlight urgent areas for improvement, including infrastructure, funding, curriculum enhancement, research support, technological integration, and industry linkages,” he explained.
The NADF ES, however, noted that the validation exercise is an opportunity to refine these recommendations, ensuring they align with national and global agricultural priorities.
“We are here today not just for another meeting but for a defining moment, an opportunity to lay the foundation for a stronger, more innovative agricultural sector in Nigeria because we believe in something greater.
“The power of research and education to transform our agricultural landscape. This is more than a validation exercise, it is a call to action. A call to ignite change, to push boundaries, and to create a future where Nigerian agriculture stands tall on the pillars of knowledge, technology, and innovation,” he added.
While declaring the validation exercise open, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, said any country that fails to change the narrative in the research system is wasting its time.
He called for a continuous review of the National Agricultural Research System in order to improve the nation’s research system to a world-class level.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for paving the way for the assessment of the country’s research system, the Minister recalled that the last time there was a review of Nigeria’s agriculture research system was during the tenure of Shehu Shagari as President.
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