Yahaya Bello after me ‘cos of proposed Kabba Agric Varsity – Dino Melaye

Report of the Committee on an Act to Provide for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba as submitted by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tetfund

Introduction:

Mr. President, you may wish to recall that the senate at its airing on Tuesday 7th March, 2017 referred the above Bill to the committee for further legislative input. Consequently, the committee held a Public Hearing on Thursday 20th July, 2017 to get public and stakeholders input. The committee as well as the participants agreed with the intentions of the Bill.

The College of Agriculture, Kabba was established in 1962 by the then Northern Region government and transferred to the institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in April, 1968.

The College of Agriculture Kabba, is a well-established institution with enough infrastructure that can support the take off of a university.

Therefore, this bill to provide for the upgrade of the college to a Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba. It will be a bold step that will not only address the educational needs of the populace of Kabba and its environs, but also meet the plan of the Federal Government to diversify the country’s economy through the promotion of agriculture.

Committee’s Findings:

The College of Agriculture, Kabba as a constituent part of the Agricultural colleges, of Ahmadu Bello University, Saris, is one of the three agricultural colleges primarily responsible for providing technical training in agriculture and related subjects for Higher National Diplomas and Certificates. It also offers specialist training in agricultural extension services. Its courses are fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education. With regard to the national goal of diversifying the economy to embrace agriculture as an alternative source of revenue generation for our nation, elevating the college to a degree awarding institution will encourage the younger generation to acquire university education in agriculture. A university status for the college will result in expansion of its programmes including extension services thus enabling a full utilisation of the infrastructure existing in the college.

There is no financial implication to this bill; all the operational structures are already in place as the University will take off from the existing Ahmadu Bello College of Agriculture, Kabba.

It is necessary to note that this Institution is clearly covered by Statute 16 of Ahmadu Bello University Law Cap.A14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. However, the passage of this Bill repeal the section of this law that affects the College of Agriculture, Kabba.

Committee’s Stand on the Bill:

The Federal University of Agriculture Bill is divided into 27 Sections, in Five (5) Parts and contains Three Schedules. The Committee while considering the Bill carried out a careful comparison of the provisions of the bill with the provisions of Act of existing Federal University and Universities Miscellaneous Act. The Committee found that the content and structure of the Bill and those of other existing universities are similar.

Committee’s Recommendation:

The Committee recommends as follows:

(i) Section 1-26 should be retained as in the Bill;

(ii) The Long and Short Titles of the Bills should be retained;

(iii) The First, Second and Third Schedules of the Bill should be retained;

(iv) The Explanatory Memorandum should also be retained; and

(V) The Savings and Transitional Provisions should equally be retained.

Conclusion:

The Committee recommends that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria do approve its recommendations accordingly. The passage of this Bill into Law will upgrade the College to a University that will bring about economic transformation for the people and the nation.

The Committee wishes to express its profound gratitude to the entire Senate for its usual support.

The report was signed by Sen. Harsh I. Move ON, the Committee Chairman, 20 other members of the committee and Ngozi Nkemdirim (Mrs) the Committee Clerk.

Senator Dino Melaye

Kogi West Senatorial District