By Gabriel Ameh
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has charged the Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs) to redouble their efforts in training, research, and extension services in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
Dr. Dabban gave the charge during his tour to federal college of Agriculture, Akure, where he commended management and staff for their commitment despite sectoral challenges. He stressed that the Colleges play a critical role in advancing the mandate of the ARCN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He noted that agriculture remains a major driver of Nigeria’s economy, with even greater expectations under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the declared emergency on food security.
“We must strengthen research, training, and extension to fast-track innovation, boost productivity, and help Nigeria achieve the SDGs by 2030,” Dabban said.
He disclosed that ARCN is engaging with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to ensure the agricultural research subsector benefits from its interventions. The Council, he added, has also re-initiated the review of the Conditions and Schemes of Service for the National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and FCAs, in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, to improve staff welfare and institutional performance.
Other key reforms underway include strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation system, updating management guidelines for NARIs and FCAs, and advocating for upgraded laboratories, workshops, and infrastructure across institutions.
Dr. Dabban directed the FCAs to:
- Submit annual budgets, quarterly reports, and annual reports promptly.
- Maintain proper communication channels with the Council.
- Provide updated staff nominal rolls annually.
- Submit lists of staff due for promotion with relevant documentation ahead of examinations.
- Forward new research technologies developed to the Council for system-wide updates.
He urged the Colleges to accord due respect to ARCN staff on official assignments and to continue fostering innovation and collaboration.
“Our collective responsibility is to ensure agriculture drives growth, creates jobs, and guarantees food security for our nation,” he concluded.
