The Federal Government has approved a substantial N30bn to boost mechanised farming in the nation’s 30 agricultural universities. This initiative is set to modernize farming practices across these institutions and support national food security. Each of the universities will receive N1bn to begin mechanised farming and livestock production, in line with the government’s commitment to promoting agricultural development.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during the opening of a retreat for pro-chancellors of federal universities. He underscored the significance of aligning the universities’ operations with their original mandates. The government aims to ensure that these specialized institutions focus solely on agriculture-related courses and cease offering unrelated programs.
The move is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the country’s agricultural sector. Alausa emphasized that universities of agriculture should prioritize farming education, including mechanised farming and livestock management. He also expressed concern over some of these universities offering unrelated courses, such as accounting, which detracts from their primary purpose.
The N30bn grant will enable each university to apply for N1bn to establish its own mechanised farming operations. This initiative is intended not only to enhance the agricultural capabilities of these institutions but also to contribute to the country’s food security efforts. The funding is aligned with the government’s priority on addressing food security, which has been a key area of focus for the current administration.
In addition to the agricultural funding, the government has allocated N17bn to 18 medical schools. This funding will specifically support the training of healthcare professionals, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses. Alausa reiterated that the universities receiving this funding should concentrate on these core healthcare programs to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers in Nigeria.
The Minister also highlighted other government initiatives aimed at supporting students. The government is collaborating with a tech fund to provide startup grants to students, enabling them to launch entrepreneurial ventures. This is part of a larger effort to foster innovation and empower students to contribute to the country’s development through their creative initiatives.
In another initiative, the government is partnering with a green energy company to introduce electric tricycles in universities under the “Renewed Campus Transportation” program. Each university in different geopolitical zones will receive 25 electric tricycles for student use. The service will operate on an affordable payment system, allowing students to travel within the campus more sustainably and at a reduced cost.
Overall, these initiatives are designed to create opportunities for students and universities to play a pivotal role in the country’s economic development. The focus on mechanised farming, healthcare training, and student innovation reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing education and supporting the youth in their contributions to national progress.
