By Charles Ayodele
Senate committee Chairman, Sen. Sarafadeen Alli with heads of agricultural colleges and institutions in Ibadan on Monday
The Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions has announced plans to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural education and research system as part of efforts to address food insecurity and boost job creation.
Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan on Monday, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, said the initiative would shift agricultural institutions from theory-based models to practical, innovation-driven hubs focused on measurable impact.
Senator Alli disclosed that the Committee has initiated high-level diplomatic engagements with Malaysia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to facilitate technology transfer, attract investment, and strengthen training in Nigeria’s agricultural colleges and research institutes.
He stated that the era of treating agricultural education as purely academic is over, noting that new initiatives will prioritize 60–70% practical training in crop production, livestock management, and agribusiness.
The announcement was made ahead of the Committee’s First National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Research Institutions, scheduled for May 12–15, 2026, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan. The summit is themed “Unfolding the Potentials of Agricultural Colleges and Institutions through Collaboration and Innovation to Enhance Food Security and Job Creation.”
Senator Alli added that the Committee is currently reviewing existing laws governing the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria and its 16 affiliated research institutes to improve operational efficiency. He also said the Senate is advancing plans for new specialized institutions, including the proposed Federal College of Agriculture in Shani, Borno State, to strengthen food security in underserved regions.
Despite logistical challenges, the Committee has held consultations with heads of agricultural agencies to ensure that over 35 institutes align their mandates with the national food security agenda.
“The focus remains on producing high-quality manpower to bridge the gap between agricultural research and farming practice,” Senator Alli said.
Heads of agricultural colleges and institutions present at the event included Prof. Atanda Lawal, Executive Director, National Horticultural Research Institute; Dr. Adedeji Rasheed, Acting Executive Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria; and Dr. Abdulganiy Ibrahim, Provost, Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, among others.
