Senate discusses establishment of Borno entrepreneurship university

The Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND held a public hearing on Monday to discuss the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central), received widespread support from stakeholders who believe the university will be the first of its kind in Africa. Senator Lawan emphasized the need for a specialized university focusing on agriculture and entrepreneurship to address Nigeria’s high unemployment rate and reliance on white-collar jobs.

He explained that entrepreneurship education equips students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and motivation to succeed in various entrepreneurial fields, empowering them to identify investment opportunities and become self-sustaining contributors to the economy. Nigeria currently has a youth unemployment rate of 53 percent, second only to South Africa’s 61 percent. Senator Lawan stressed that the proposed university is urgently needed to combat this issue and prepare youths to be responsible and enterprising.

Committee Chairman Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse also highlighted the significance of the proposed institution, noting that it would raise a generation of job creators rather than job seekers.

Senate debates entrepreneurship university establishment

Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum, the Shehu of Bama, Dr Ibn Umar Kyari El-Kanemi, and other local leaders expressed their gratitude and commitment to leveraging the planned institution to transform the economic landscape of Borno State.

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has submitted a proposal to the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions to review and amend the bill establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State. The ARCN emphasized the importance of aligning the new institution’s governance with existing agricultural universities’ models. Professor Garba Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary of ARCN, argued that the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security should oversee the institution, rather than the Minister of Education, to prevent functional and administrative issues.

The Council also proposed changes to the appointment process for the pro-chancellor and suggested removing the specific reference to “tropical studies” from the university’s title. The ARCN’s proposals aim to strengthen the governance and focus of the new university to better serve Nigeria’s agricultural education and research needs. By ensuring the alignment of the university’s financial and strategic management with agricultural policies, the institution can effectively advance modern agricultural practices and contribute to national food security.