Federal Government approves ₦30 billion for universities of Agriculture.
The Federal Government has taken a significant step to enhance agriculture in Nigeria by approving N30 billion for the nation’s 30 Universities of Agriculture.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Tuesday, in Abuja.
Also declaring open a retreat organised by the Ministry of Education for pro-chancellors of federal universities.
This initiative aims to promote mechanised farming and livestock production in these institutions .
He said,
“We need to look critically into your curriculum, into the kind of courses that your universities are doing. We have the Federal University of Agriculture offering courses in accounting. Your University of Agriculture, focus on what you’re set up to do. We have the Federal University of Technology offering courses in insurance.
Your University of Technology, focus on that. We have several universities there. You are a faculty of Agriculture, you don’t have a farm. What are you teaching? We will work with you to encourage you to have your farm.
“That will also help to contribute to food security in your country. This president, one of the first pillars in his priority area is food security.
The nation wants you as the people who build our future, the education system, build the value of the future and freedom and opportunities.
We want you to start using your power, your position to create opportunities for attainment. We are also working with a tech fund. As I said, we’re focusing on STEMM. We’ve identified about N17 billion of the high impact with TETFUND
A New Era for Universities of Agriculture.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the importance of universities of agriculture owning and operating mechanised farming systems.
Each university will receive N1 billion as a take-off grant for this initiative.
This move is expected to contribute to food security in the country, a key priority area for the President.
Specialised Universities to Focus on Core Mandates.
The government has also directed specialised universities to focus strictly on their core mandates and cease offering programs unrelated to their original purpose.
This move aims to ensure that these institutions remain true to their mission and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
Supporting Entrepreneurial Initiatives.
In addition to the agriculture initiative, the government has finalised arrangements to provide startup grants to university students to support their entrepreneurial endeavours.
This move is expected to unleash the innate potential of Nigerian youths and enable them to contribute to the country’s growth and development.
Other Federal Government Initiatives.
The government has also announced other initiatives.
This is including the provision of N17 billion to 18 medical schools to train healthcare professionals, and the introduction of renewed campus transportation systems using electric tricycles.
These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting education and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
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