The Senate suspended its rules yesterday to advance a bill proposing the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State, to a second reading.
The Executive Bill was introduced during the legislative session by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate. The bill was presented for its first reading in the Red Chamber yesterday, and the Senate leadership chose to suspend the rules to allow it to proceed to a second reading.
In his lead debate on the bill, Bamidele emphasized that the proposed institution represents a significant step toward meeting the educational demands of the population. He noted that it would also serve as a training ground for developing agriculturalists in the country. He stated: “Agriculture with its allied sectors is unquestionably the largest livelihood provider more also in the rural areas and can contribute significantly to the GDP.”
According to Bamidele, the university aims to promote comprehensive development in agriculture and tropical studies while equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster an accelerated agricultural growth rate, enhance farmers’ income, and create job opportunities in the sector. He outlined the objectives of establishing the university, which include advancing learning and providing access to tertiary education in agriculture and tropical studies to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, sex, or political beliefs.
Bamidele stated: “It will act as agents and catalysts through post-graduate training, research and innovation for the effective and economic utilization, exploitation and conservation of the country’s agricultural resources.” He added that the university would serve the general public, particularly in agriculture and tropical studies, as a form of public service, showcasing the outcomes of training and research while encouraging practical applications.
Furthermore, the proposed institution aims to identify the problems and needs of the agriculture sector in Nigeria and devise solutions within the framework of national development. Bamidele asserted that it would provide and promote sound foundational scientific training to support the development of agriculture and tropical studies in Nigeria, taking into account indigenous cultures and the necessity of enhancing national unity.
Bamidele pointed out, “One noticeable feature in the development of universities in Nigeria is the emergence of specialized universities.” He highlighted that most of these institutions concentrate on science and technology, underscoring the need for the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State, to increase the number of agricultural universities.
This initiative, he argued, would support the federal government’s back-to-land policy aimed at diversifying the national economy. Bamidele stated, “Agriculture is key and the drivers of these to me are products from the universities of agriculture.” He concluded by advocating for the establishment of more universities focused on agriculture and tropical studies across the nation.
Following the lead debate, the Senate successfully passed the bill for a second reading and tasked its committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND to conduct a public hearing and report back within two weeks. This decision reflects the Senate’s commitment to enhancing agricultural education and development in Nigeria, aiming to meet the growing needs of the agricultural sector and contribute to national progress.
