The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria has identified training of youth in agribusiness as one of the effective ways of addressing unemployment and diversification of Nigeria’s economy, which are cardinal goals of the present administration.
The Director of the ABU’s Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC), Professor Muhammad Y. Fatihu made this known during the 32nd joint convocation ceremony of the division, saying that DAC has the mandate of training middle class agricultural personnel who are central to the development of agriculture at the grassroots.
Fatihu however said that lack of funding is relegating the activities of the institute to the background and that has made the achievement of its mandate difficult.
He said the removal of colleges of agriculture from the beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) grants is not only negatively affecting the colleges, but discouraging youths in participating in agriculture. He therefore called on the National Assembly to facilitate the review of that Act in favour of the agricultural colleges.
The 3,534 graduands were urged to contribute their quota in the
developmental process of the country by engaging in agric related entrepreneurial ventures.
This call was made by Professor Yahaya Shehu Abubakar of the Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi in the convocation
lecture titled; “Colleges of agriculture and entrepreneurship development: A gateway to poverty alleviation.”
Culled from The Daily Trust.
No comments:
Post a Comment