The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, Dr. Abubakar Dabban, has urged the management of the Federal College of Horticulture, Dandinkowa, Gombe State, to work together to achieve continued success.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Head of Public Relations, ARCN Khadijat Ameen,, following a familiarization visit by Dr. Dabban to the college on Friday, November 21, 2025. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made under the leadership of the acting Provost, Dr. Umar A. Umar.
“It was not an easy decision to bring Dr. Umar here, but I am satisfied with his achievements just three months in acting capacity. On the issue of payment, absorb qualified casual staff into the federal payroll. This will help ease the burden while also ensuring the best hands do the job,” the statement added.
The Executive Secretary also encouraged the college to introduce new academic programs and strengthen vocational skill training such as tailoring and related trades. He revealed that efforts are underway to include ARCN colleges in the TETFund intervention scheme, with a Memorandum of Understanding currently under consideration.
Dr. Aliyu Shuaibu Madugu, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, disclosed that funds to be released under the proposed MOU with TETFund would target research and staff development. Barr. Shehu Aliyu, Legal Adviser to the council, advised staff and unions to carry out their activities in line with ARCN’s establishing laws to reduce litigation.
Speaking on his achievements, Dr. Umar said his assumption of office led to the reactivation of abandoned infrastructure, repair of three staff buses, the establishment of the Academic Planning Unit, and the launch of the 500 Farmers Initiative for seedling production.
However, he appealed for intervention to address the college’s low overhead allocation, noting that the institution currently borrows funds to pay casual and security staff.
The Deputy Provost and other management officials commended Dr. Umar’s transformational leadership and recommended his confirmation as substantive Provost. The tour was extended to the Emirate Council of Yamaltu, where the Emir, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, applauded ARCN’s efforts and prayed for a smooth working relationship with the acting Provost.
The visit concluded with an inspection of college facilities by Dr. Dabban and his team.
