Laraba MUREY
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has vowed to strengthen research, innovation, and training in Nigeria’s agricultural colleges.
In a statement by the Head of Public Relations, Khadijat Ameen, Dr. Dabban’s visit to the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, was aimed at reviewing the achievements of the colleges, understanding their challenges, and reinforcing collaboration with ARCN.
Dabban praised the leadership and staff for their resilience and commitment despite sectoral challenges. He also urged the colleges to scale up manpower training, vocational skills, and the dissemination of research technologies that can boost productivity and food security.
According Dabban the ongoing reforms, including reviewing the Conditions and Schemes of Service for staff, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, updating management guidelines, and working with TETFund to extend support to the agricultural sub-sector. These measures, he said, would improve staff welfare, modernize infrastructure, and enhance institutional performance.
He added that Dr. Dabban directed the colleges to submit annual budgets, quarterly and yearly reports, nominal rolls, and records of research technologies developed. He also called for improved laboratories, workshops, and facilities that meet global standards, and urged full cooperation with ARCN officials on assignments.
Also speaking , the Provost of Moor Plantation, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, welcomed the visit, describing it as a milestone in the long history of the college. He said it would open avenues for stronger collaboration in research, academic training, and community outreach initiatives. He also commended ARCN for championing access to TETFund, which has strengthened institutional capacity.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin, spoke on the institute’s work in soil science, grains, legumes, and value addition. He said IAR&T currently houses three colleges and highlighted the strong inter-institutional cooperation that supports agricultural research nationwide.
Also, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, Acting Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, praised the Executive Secretary’s visit, expressing confidence that it would open new opportunities for institutional growth and partnerships.
The visit featured interactive sessions with staff and students, as well as a guided tour of the college’s facilities. It was attended by provosts of affiliated colleges, directors of research institutes under ARCN, and other key stakeholders in agricultural education and research
