The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, Dr. Abubakar Dabban, has urged Federal Colleges of Agriculture, FCAs, to step up their efforts in training, research, and extension services to support the Federal Government’s food security goals.
Dabban made the call during his visit to the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, where he commended the management and staff for their dedication despite sector challenges. He said the colleges play a key role in advancing the work of ARCN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He noted that agriculture remains an important driver of Nigeria’s economy, especially under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the declared emergency on food security.
“We must strengthen research, training, and extension to boost productivity and help Nigeria achieve the SDGs by 2030,” he said.
Dabban said ARCN is working with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to ensure the agricultural research subsector benefits from its support. He added that the Council has re-initiated the review of the Conditions and Schemes of Service for staff at the National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and FCAs to improve welfare and performance.
He directed the colleges to submit annual budgets, reports, and staff lists on time, maintain proper communication with the Council, and forward new research technologies for system-wide updates. He also urged respect for ARCN staff on official assignments and encouraged continued innovation and collaboration.
Receiving the visitors, the acting Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Prof. Alayande Folorunsho, thanked Dr. Dabban and requested support to bring back ETF and TETFund interventions for colleges. He also appealed for help with the issue of land grabbing, noting that students and staff are no longer safe on campus.
