The Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions has received a proposal from the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) to review and amend the Bill establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.
The bill was sponsored by the leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, representing the Ekiti Central Senatorial District of Ekiti State.
The ARCN in its presentation recently during a public hearing at the National Assembly highlighted the importance of aligning the new institution’s governance with other models of existing agricultural universities.
The Executive Secretary of Professor Garba Sharubutu pointed out that a major concern is the bill’s current designation of the Minister of Education as the university’s supervisory authority.
He maintained that, in line with the law governing other federal universities of agriculture, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security should oversee the institution.
The ARCN urged the Senate committee to ensure that the new university operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, as it would help prevent the functional and administrative issues previously encountered by other institutions.
Professor Sharubutu further called for the inclusion of a representative from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on the university’s governing council.
The Council also proposed changes to the appointment process for the pro-chancellor and recommended that the selected individual should possess relevant expertise in agricultural and development studies.
While recognising that Nigeria is within the tropics, the council recommended removing the specific reference to “tropical studies” from the university’s title, with the argument that it may not be necessary.
The ARCN also pointed out that the composition of the Finance and General Purpose Committee should include a representative from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to ensure the alignment of the university’s financial and strategic management with agricultural policies.
According to Professor Sharubutu, the adjustments would enhance the university’s focus on agricultural training and research and ensure that it fulfils its mandate to advance modern agricultural practices and contribute to national food security.
He said, “Section 6: Establishment and composition of the Council, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) should be on the Council.
“We would like to advise that a clause be added to the qualification of the Pro-Chancellor to ensure the appointment of a suitable person with fair knowledge of the subject matter of the mandate of the university.
“Section 26(1) of the bill should be corrected to read that the ‘Minister’ means the Minister charged with the responsibility for agriculture instead of education. This is in line with the provision in the law establishing the Universities of Agriculture.”
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