Tinubu Charges Academia to Justify Huge Investment in Education, Says Agriculture Remains a Strategic Sector to Improve the economy,
President Bola Ahmed has said Agriculture remains a strategic sector for diversifying Nigeria’s economy and that the Country certainly needs the solid support of her agricultural scientists and experts as strategic game changers to end hunger in the land. He said his administration is aware of the unique role that quality education can play in developing men and women of character who are citizens dedicated to the service of their fatherland. He said Government increased the number of agricultural universities in the country because the technical skills and expertise would continue to be required until Nigeria reaches the promised Land of food security. The president stated this on Saturday in Umuahia on the occasion of the 12th convocation ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Director (Extension), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, said, “Our nation’s problems are diverse and deep-rooted, but we are strongly determined to confront them. Agriculture remains a strategic sector for diversifying our economy, disproportionately dependent on oil. Nigeria certainly needs the solid support of her agricultural scientists and experts as strategic game changers to end hunger in this country. Consequently, the government increased the number of agricultural universities in the country. Your technical skills and expertise will continue to be required until we reach the Promised Land of food security.
“This administration is aware of the unique role that quality education can play in developing men and women of character who are citizens dedicated to the service of their fatherland. Our problems as a nation are numerous, multi-faceted, and complicated. Good education is necessary to understand the complexity of the problems and develop innovative and effective strategies to address the socio-economic and political issues confronting our nation.
“Believing that we must guarantee access to education as a necessary tool to fight poverty and foster growth, this administration has set up the National Education Loan Fund (NEL Fund) to grant student loans on generous terms. This people-orientated initiative will not significantly alleviate the sufferings of Nigerian students and their parents.”
Tinubu noted that good education is necessary to understand the complexity of the problems and develop innovative and effective strategies to address the socioeconomic and political issues confronting the nation. He said access to education must be guaranteed as a necessary tool to fight poverty and foster growth which was the reason his administration set up the National Education Loan Fund (NEL Fund) to grant student loans on generous terms which would significantly alleviate the sufferings of Nigerian students and their parents
The President enjoined the private sector to team up with the academia and the government in the drive to achieve adequate food production
“The establishment and progressive increase of specialized Universities of Agriculture in this country was well thought out and properly planned to make our country self-sufficient in food production. As a nation. we are looking UP to the universities to innovatively drive the transformation of our agricultural sector to achieve food security, diversify the economy and broaden the base for industrialization. The potential for agricultural investments in our country is excellent, considering the diversity of our soils, crops, livestock and climate. Despite our large population. I feel confident that we can provide our needs for staple foods from local production. We can quickly and significantly reduce our dependence on imported food items with solid determination. l, therefore, encourage private organizations and public-spirited individuals to join hands with the Government and our frontline institutions to achieve this assailable dream. We also need support from our Universities of Agriculture in forming partnerships and linkages to scale up agricultural research findings with a win-win target
“The establishment and progressive increase of specialized Universities of Agriculture in this country was well thought out and properly planned to make our country self-sufficient in food production. As a nation. we are looking UP to the universities to innovatively drive the transformation of our agricultural sector to achieve food security, diversify the economy and broaden the base for industrialization. The potential for agricultural investments in our country is excellent, considering the diversity of our soils, crops, livestock and climate. Despite our large population. I feel confident that we can provide our needs for staple foods from local production. We can quickly and significantly reduce our dependence on imported food items with solid determination. l, therefore, encourage private organizations and public-spirited individuals to join hands with the Government and our frontline institutions to achieve this assailable dream. We also need support from our Universities of Agriculture in forming partnerships and linkages to scale up agricultural research findings with a win-win target”, he added.
Tinubu gave the assurance of the Government’s continued support in improving the tertiary institutions’ teaching and learning infrastructure. He, however, charged the academic community to reciprocate the Government’s effort by ensuring a peaceful and conducive environment for proper teaching and practical learning.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, said the major challenges of the university are paucity of funds, lack of essential amenities, access roads, and japa syndrome of trained staff. The Deputy Governor of Abia, Ikechukwu Emetu and the Pro-Chancellor, Comrade Fidelis Edeh also graced the event
