Ola Ibrahim
Kano
The Federal Government has pledge continuous support to the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasama in Jigawa State.
The Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, (ARCN), Dr, Adamu Abubakar Dabban gave the reassurance when he paid an oversight visit to the site of the proposed school in Jigawa State.
"As Executive Secretary of ARCN, I assure this institution of our continued support. We remain committed to strengthening agricultural colleges through capacity building, policy support, institutional development, and stronger linkages with research institutes. We will continue to promote initiatives that position our colleges to meet the demands of a rapidly changing agricultural landscape."
According to a press statement by Khadijat Oluwatoyin Ameen, the Public Relations Officer To The Executive Secretary, ARCN on 18th June, 2026, Dr. Dabban said the council is committed to strengthening agricultural education, research, innovation, and human capital development in Nigeria.
He added that the establishment of the college reflects Federal Government’s commitment to achieving food security, economic diversification, youth empowerment, and rural development.
"At a time when Nigeria is seeking sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges, institutions such as this are expected to produce the skilled manpower needed to drive transformation across the sector."
"Agriculture remains one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s economy. It provides food, employment, income, and raw materials for industries. However, the sector continues to face challenges including climate change, low productivity, pest and disease outbreaks, post-harvest losses, inadequate mechanization, and limited adoption of modern technologies. Overcoming these challenges requires a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with practical skills, innovation, and entrepreneurial capacity," he said.
The ARCN boss reiterates the achievements of the council over the years to include development and releases of improved varieties of rice, maize, cassava, sorghum, millet, cowpea, soybean, wheat, groundnut, and horticultural crops. These technologies he said, have helped improve yields, strengthen resilience to climate change, and enhance food production. Our institutes have also made notable contributions in livestock production, fisheries, aquaculture, mechanization, irrigation, value addition, and post-harvest management.
"Research efforts have supported the control of major agricultural threats, including Tuta Absoluta in tomato production, ginger diseases, cassava pests, and other challenges affecting food security. These successes demonstrate the importance of research in solving practical agricultural problems and improving the livelihoods of farmers. However, research alone is not enough. We need strong institutions such as this college to train competent professionals who can transfer knowledge to farmers, establish agribusiness enterprises, and support agricultural development at the grassroots level," he said.
"I commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for establishing this institution and investing in agricultural education. I also appreciate the Government of Jigawa State, traditional institutions, host communities, and all stakeholders whose contributions have supported the successful take-off of the college. Together, we can build a centre of excellence that produces skilled graduates, supports innovation, empowers young people, and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda."
Dr Dabban said the college is strategically positioned to serve as a centre for innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and community development. He said the school is aimed at becoming a place where research findings are translated into practical solutions and where students acquire the skills needed to succeed in modern agriculture.
"To the management of the college, I encourage you to build a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability. Agriculture is changing rapidly across the world. Digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, precision farming, biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture, and data-driven decision-making are transforming food systems globally. Our institutions must therefore prepare students for the agriculture of the future rather than the agriculture of the past."
"I also encourage the college to strengthen collaboration with ARCN research institutes, development partners, and the private sector. Such partnerships will promote staff development, student training, technology transfer, research collaboration, and access to new opportunities"
"To the students, let me remind you that agriculture is more than farming. It is about feeding nations, creating jobs, reducing poverty, protecting the environment, and driving economic growth. You are the future scientists, researchers, extension agents, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and policymakers who will shape the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. I urge you to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence."
Speaking earlier the pioneer acting provost, Dr. Muhammed Gwaram appreciate the executive secretary and his team for the visit. He brought him to track on the level of construction work going on and other plans on ground.
The chairman, Kirikasama local government area, Alhaji Muhammad Mag appreciated the president and the executive secretary for the choice of the town, he assured that all will be done to ensure a successful kickoff of the college.
The oversight also had in attendance director of planning research and statistics , Dr, Aliyu shuaibu Madugu, the PRO to the executive secretary, Mrs Khadijat Oluwatoyin Ameen (ANIPR), special Assistance to the Executive Secretary, Engr. Umar Muhammad Alfa, royal fathers and other stakeholders.
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria is responsible for coordinating agricultural research, training, and extension activities across the country. Through the National Agricultural Research Institutes and Federal Colleges of Agriculture under its supervision, ARCN promotes the generation and dissemination of technologies that improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods.
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