Delta: Reps panel holds public hearing on agric varsity, others

The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions is set to hold a public hearing on a bill to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu, in Delta State, on Monday.

The House had mandated the Committee, chaired by Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, to consider nine bills, which seek to establish new agricultural universities, colleges and institutes across the country.

The bills titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu, Delta State to Make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters, ” is sponsored by thec Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese.

Agbese had during the debate on the Bill said, “Nations are returning to the farm to boost their economy. In our darling country, petroleum can no longer sustain us. If agriculture is the way forward, the focus should be on establishing world-class learning institutions.

“The potential benefit of this proposed institution can never be overemphasized. Over 90 per cent of the people of Ute-Okpu and neighbouring communities are farmers, hence the need to promote and enlighten them and Nigerians on current best practices.

“The Federal University of Agriculture Ute-Okpu, Delta State, when established, will conduct education, research, and environmental monitoring and assessment in collaboration with other world-class institutions.”

Also to be considered by the Committee during the public hearing on are: A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Fiditi, Oyo State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ako, Nike, Enugu State, and a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Ise, Ekiti State.

Others are a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Misau, Bauchi State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Agila, Benue State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture and Vocational Studies, Ako-Nike, Enugu State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute, Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State, and a Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Oil Palm Research, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.