Ola Ibrahim
Abuja
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has celebrated the first anniversary of the appointment of its Executive Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, highlighting a year of strategic reforms, institutional strengthening, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives that have repositioned the council to better drive agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria.
Dr. Dabban was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and assumed office on June 12, 2025. Since taking office, he has pursued an ambitious agenda focused on improving governance, enhancing research capacity, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, promoting staff welfare, and advancing the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).
Khadijat Oluwatoyin Ameen, Public Relations Officer To The Executive Secretary, ARCN, Abuja, Nigeria in this detailed report said Dr. Dabbans’s leadership, over the past year, has delivered significant milestones across ARCN's network of National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs), reinforcing the council's role as a key driver of agricultural transformation.
Strengthening Governance and Institutional Reforms
As part of efforts to improve efficiency and accountability, the Executive Secretary reorganized departmental leadership in line with established regulations, institutionalised monthly management meetings, and constituted both statutory and ad-hoc committees to enhance decision-making processes.
He also initiated the review of the Conditions and Scheme of Service and directed all NARIs and FCAs to submit bi-annual and annual performance reports to improve monitoring, evaluation, and institutional effectiveness.
Expanding Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
Recognizing the importance of collaboration in advancing agricultural research, ARCN under Dr. Dabban's leadership signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to provide funding support for research and development activities in NARIs and FCAs.
The council also secured commitments from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to support agricultural research and extension programmes nationwide.
In addition, Dr. Dabban strengthened the ARCN partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to advance food security initiatives and entered into strategic agreements with the European Universities Network for Agriculture and related institutions through the signing of MoUs with EUNAP and EERC, alongside the establishment of implementation committees.
He further facilitated participation by NARIs and FCAs in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Global Internship Programme, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and international exposure.
Investing in Capacity Building and Youth Empowerment
A major highlight of the year was the successful training of 200 youths from across West Africa in modern aquaculture practices. The programme covered Black Soldier Fly larvae production, freshwater, brackish and marine fish production, fish processing and packaging, value addition, aquaculture economics, and business planning.
Under Dr. Dabban's leadership, the ARCN also hosted, for the first time, the CORAF Workshop on Foresight Analysis Methods and Tools in Abuja, bringing together researchers and experts to strengthen agricultural planning and innovation.
Additionally, the ARCN organized the RISA-CONESAM Workshop on Research-to-Commercialization, aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and market-driven solutions.
Enhancing Human Resource Management and Staff Welfare
To strengthen leadership across the agricultural research system, Dr. Dabban coordinated the appointment of three Acting Executive Directors and five Acting Provosts, while also overseeing aptitude tests for substantive appointments.
Under his administration he successfully resolved labour-related disputes, fostering industrial harmony and improving workplace relations.
As part of staff welfare initiatives, championed by the Executive Secretary, ARCN repaired two staff buses, recovered abandoned official vehicles, and reassigned them to improve operational efficiency.
Boosting Communication and Institutional Visibility
Under Dr. Dabban's leadership, ARCN significantly improved its communication strategy and public engagement efforts. The council re-engineered ARCN TV and strengthened its advocacy and visibility platforms to better communicate research outcomes and institutional activities to stakeholders and the public.
Dr. Dabban also backed the establishment and governance of the Association of Research Institutes and Colleges Public Relations Officer , (AARIC-PRO). This association aims at professional recognition, Institutional strengthening, mandatory Certification Frame work as enshrined in the civil service act.
Achieving International Recognition
One of the most significant achievements of the past year was Nigeria's successful bid to host the 9th African Agricultural Science Week and the 10th Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) General Assembly.
The accomplishment, secured under Dr. Dabban's leadership, places Nigeria at the forefront of agricultural research and innovation discourse on the continent and reinforces the country's growing influence in shaping Africa's agricultural future.
Looking Ahead
As ARCN enters its second year under Dr. Under Dabban's stewardship, the council remains committed to deepening institutional reforms, mobilizing additional resources, accelerating the commercialization of research outputs, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the Federal Government's food security agenda.
Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, stakeholders have described Dr. Dabban's tenure as one characterised by visionary leadership, strategic reforms, and measurable progress.
With a stronger institutional framework, enhanced visibility, expanded partnerships, and renewed focus on innovation, ARCN is better positioned than ever to drive agricultural research, technology development, and sustainable food security for Nigeria and Africa.
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