The Senate has passed for third reading a bill seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State.
The passage followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during plenary on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), is aimed at promoting agricultural education, research and development while improving farming practices in Shani and other parts of the country.
Ndume said the proposed institution would equip farmers with modern agricultural knowledge and techniques to boost productivity and make farming more efficient.
He identified the continued reliance on traditional farming methods as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“One of the fundamental challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria is our continued reliance on crude farming methods.
“We have not made sufficient progress in improving productivity and making farming easier through modern technology,” he said.
According to the senator, the proposed college would facilitate access to improved farming techniques, modern technology, agricultural knowledge and better crop varieties for farmers.
Ndume said Shani, a predominantly agricultural local government in Borno South, is known for the cultivation of crops including rice, tomatoes and onions.
He added that the area shares boundaries with Adamawa and Bauchi states, which are also major agricultural zones.
Expressing satisfaction with the Senate’s action, Ndume described the passage as one of his major achievements in the National Assembly, particularly as the current legislative session approaches its conclusion.
“I am excited about this achievement. I consider it one of my lifetime achievements in the National Assembly, especially as we approach the end of our legislative session,” he said.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the committee for its work and Ndume for sponsoring what he described as a development-driven initiative.
Akpabio said the proposed college would contribute to agricultural development and help strengthen the country’s food production capacity.
The bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent, in line with the legislative process.
