From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
The Bill for an act to establish the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, sponsored by the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, passed Second Reading on the floor of the Senate.
The bill, which passed First Reading on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, seeks to establish a College of Agricultural Technology in Opialu-Ojapo to contribute to the development of Nigeria through training of qualitative manpower by adequate exposure to sound theoretical background, practical farm and field demonstration as well as knowledge capacity development for staff.
In his lead debate, the sponsor, Senator Moro, said the bill was a valorous stride towards, not only addressing the educational needs of the people of Benue State and by extension Nigerians but also to serve as training ground for the development of agriculturalists in the country.
He debate reads; “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I seek your kind leave to lead the debate on this very important bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, Benue State.
“The bill was originally initiated in the 9th Senate Assembly by my humble self, all legislative processes were concluded on it and it was transmitted to the Presidency for assent but could not get assent before the passage of the assembly. As it is the rule, the bill has passed with the 9th assembly and we have to re-introduce denovo.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, this bill is a valorous stride towards, not only addressing the educational needs of the people of Benue State and by extension Nigerians but it will also serve as training ground for the development of agriculturalists in the country, the primary intent of the Bill is to establish the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, to contribute to the development of Nigeria through training of qualitative manpower by adequate exposure to sound theoretical background, practical farm and field demonstration as well as knowledge capacity development for staff.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, it is pertinent to mention that agriculture with its allied sectors is undeniably the biggest livelihood provider in Nigeria, especially in the rural areas and contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
May I mention further Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, that demand for agricultural products is daily on the increase with increase in population and per capital income and growing demand from industrial sectors.
“The Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, when established will train and produce morally sound graduates to become self-employed in the area of science and agriculture; establish linkages and collaboration with other policy makers, research institutes and training institutions; establish and manage modern standard livestock farms, veterinary clinics and diagnostic laboratories, produce technicians capable of carrying out routine preventive measures and advisory services in livestock, fishery and crop production, promote capacity building through outreach programs, vocational training, continuous education among others in the area of Science and agriculture, promote youth development and empowerment opportunities through entrepreneurial and agricultural activities.
According to the Media Adviser to the Senate Minority Leader, Emmanuel Eche-Ofun John, the bill was passed the second time and referred to the Committees on Tertiary Education, TETFUND and Agriculture and Rural Development, to report back within four weeks.