FG Pledges Support for Agricultural Infrastructure Development at FUE Kontagora

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting agricultural and infrastructural development at the Federal University of Education, Kontagora (FUEK), Niger State, as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural education and food security in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abdullahi Aliyu, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the university at his office in Abuja.

Led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Haruna, the delegation briefed the minister on the university’s development priorities, including plans to enhance agricultural training and youth-focused initiatives. The visit also sought the minister’s consent to name an agricultural education project after him and to secure the ministry’s support for critical agricultural infrastructure aimed at positioning FUEK as a centre of excellence.
Aliyu described agriculture and agricultural education as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that over 70 per cent of Nigerians are directly or indirectly engaged in the sector. He stressed the need to expand training capacity to produce skilled manpower capable of driving productivity and national development.
Commending the university for integrating agricultural skills across various disciplines, including physical and health education with a focus on nutrition, the minister said the initiative would boost students’ productivity and serve as a model for other tertiary institutions. He pledged the ministry’s full support to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed projects.

The minister described the establishment of FUEK as a game changer for Niger State and neighbouring states, noting that the university would cater to students from Sokoto, Zamfara, Kwara, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory. He also lamented the challenges teachers previously faced travelling long distances to other states for certification, stressing that quality education could not be achieved without well-trained teacher.

Earlier, Prof. Haruna said the visit was to appreciate Aliyu’s role in the establishment of the university and to seek further support to strengthen agricultural education in line with Nigeria’s food security objectives. He recalled that the minister sponsored the bill establishing FUEK while serving as Senator representing Niger North, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 2021.

The Vice-Chancellor requested support for modern farm machinery, renewable energy systems, cold rooms, greenhouses and irrigation facilities, as well as the establishment of agro-processing and value addition centres for training and research.

Haruna noted that FUEK is currently leading among newly established Federal Universities of Education, excluding Adeyemi University of Education, citing achievements such as the granting of NUC operational licensing and approval of 34 academic programmes.

He added that JAMB had approved admissions into the university, with 432 students currently enrolled across degree programmes.

He identified inadequate funding as a major challenge affecting the completion of key projects, while also raising concerns over insecurity, which has resulted in theft and vandalism of university property.

The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed plans to introduce entrepreneurial and vocational skills training for students and youths in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer appreciation, phone repairs, catering and tailoring. Other focus areas include fisheries, poultry and animal husbandry.