The Senate on Thursday approved a bill to create a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, seeks to boost agricultural productivity and promote modern farming techniques across the country.
Ndume said Nigeria's agricultural sector faces significant challenges because of continued reliance on traditional farming methods that limit productivity. He argued that the college would help farmers adopt improved techniques, modern technology, better crop varieties and enhanced agricultural knowledge. Shani, which he noted is in Borno South and borders Adamawa and Bauchi states, is known for cultivating rice, tomatoes and onions, making it strategically positioned to benefit from the institution.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions for its work and commended Ndume for sponsoring what he called a development-driven initiative. Akpabio expressed confidence that the proposed institution would contribute to agricultural development in Nigeria.
The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for approval before going to President Bola Tinubu for assent.