Federal University Of Agriculture, ZURU Kebbi State Takes Off September 2020 - FG

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, (FMARD), Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono while inaugurating the Interim Management Committee for the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, stated that the Federal Government is working towards a smooth take-off of the institution by September 2020.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, yesterday, Alhaji Muhammad Nanono, noted that the University would ensure the introduction of new, flexible and locally relevant programmes towards strengthening the link between Agriculture and entrepreneurship in the country. The Minister further said that ‘’ there is no doubt in my mind that the establishment of this University is a great addition to the fortunes of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as it will tremendously add to the national capacity in Agriculture and food security’’

He informed that the Interim Management Committee is constituted to facilitate the operational commencement of the institution. He also pointed out that ‘’ the Committee is not to be regarded as a Governing Board but an Adhoc structure that is expected to work with the Interim Vice Chancellor to provide good governance on one hand and effectively implement projects and programmes on the other hand for the smooth take-off of the university pending the appointment of the Governing Board, the Minister added.

The Minister tasked the Management of the University to harness the talents of the highly experienced individuals selected to serve in this committee for maximum impact for the benefit of the institution and the Nation. To this end, the Minister spelt out the Terms of Reference of the Committee as follows:

• To lay a solid foundation for the emergence of a unique university that will develop the intellectual capability and skills towards the production of qualitative, entrepreneurial and self- reliant graduates thereby reducing the level of unemployment among graduates.
• To work with the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission, Kebbi State Government, the local community as well as other principal stakeholders in actualizing the smooth take-off of the University
• To develop a practicable and acceptable academic brief in line with the aspiration of the Present Administration of job creation for the teeming Nigerians youths by entrenching entrepreneurship training as a precondition for graduation from the University, among others.

Responding on behalf of the Interim Committee, the Interim Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Prof. Bello Zaki Abubakar, pledged that the committee was committed to the task ahead and would deliver on its mandate. In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, (FMARD), Dr. Mohammed Bello Umar, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties, Alhaji, Zubairu Abdullahi, said that ’’ it is my belief with the calibre of eminent scholars and experienced personnel on this committee, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru would commence operations on a very sound footing’’ Also in attendance was the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri and Senator Bala Na’allah.

Source: (FMARD)