The Federal Government has earmarked N10 billion to kickstart commercial agricultural activities in 10 Nigerian universities as part of efforts to enhance food security and agricultural research.
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, made this known during the inauguration of an Agricultural and BIOS Systems Engineering building at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. The project, funded by TETFund’s 2023 intervention, was part of the university’s combined convocation ceremonies.
Echono explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making tertiary institutions self-sufficient by leveraging their land for large-scale agriculture instead of relying solely on government funding. He noted that the selection process targeted universities with vast land suitable for commercial agriculture, which would not only serve as a training ground for students but also generate revenue.
He emphasized the importance of modern agricultural techniques, pointing to countries like the United States, where only a small percentage of the population is engaged in farming, yet they sustain their country’s food supply and exports through advanced technology. He urged Nigeria to follow suit, stating that with fertile land and a hardworking population, the nation could significantly boost its economy by investing in modern agricultural practices.
Echono commended the leadership of JOSTUM for effectively utilizing TETFund resources and ensuring the proper development of infrastructure. He noted that as an agriculture-focused institution, the university would be among the 10 selected for the commercial farming initiative.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by the Director of University Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Rakiyya Illyasu, also praised JOSTUM for its judicious use of funds. He called on other tertiary institutions to adopt similar strategies, stressing that consistent investment in quality infrastructure could elevate Nigerian universities to global standards within the next 15 years.
He further announced that another round of intervention funds would be released in September 2025 to support additional renovations, including hostels, toilets, and other essential infrastructure. The government, he said, remains committed to ensuring that Nigerian universities are well-equipped to provide quality education while also contributing to national development through initiatives like commercial agriculture.
