ABU Pledges Strategic Research Partnership with Ministry of Livestock Development to Boost National Food Security

The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, says the institution remains committed to collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in advancing research, innovation, capacity building, and sustainable development. 

Ahmed, who spoke at the commissioning of the L-PRES intervention projects at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, assured the ministry of ABU's unwavering support. 

The L-PRES intervention projects were commissioned by the Hon. Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, FNIM, on Wednesday, 21st January, 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university was fully conscious of its role in the development of the livestock sector in Nigeria. 

Prof Ahmed stressed that the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) stood as a key driver of livestock development in Nigeria and an important seed for the take-off and growth of the university. 

"This legacy continues to guide our mission in teaching, research, and community development", he said. 

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the minister's remarkable energy, his deep knowledge of animal husbandry, and unwavering commitment to the transformation of Nigeria's livestock sector. 

"The impressive progress being recorded in the sector under your leadership is evident and worthy of commendation", according to him. 

He said the minister being an ABU alumni remained an outstanding Ambassador of the university, saying the institution was immensely proud of his accomplishments. 

In his address of welcome, the Ag. Director, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Prof Mohammed Rabiu Hassan, said the minister's coming would enable him to see the progress NAPRI was making in addressing challenges and opportunities in the livestock sector in Nigeria. 

The Ag. Director also explained that NAPRI through its collaborators and interventions by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was blessed with the most modern embryo transfer facilities in the country. 

With the encouraging support by the Hon. Minister of Livestock Development, according to him, the embryo transfer laboratory would soon start to function at full capacity. 

Prof Hassan thanked most sincerely the minister for his support to NAPRI in particular and Ahmadu Bello University at large. 

He expressed the hope that the multilateral spirit of cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and Ahmadu Bello University would continue to exist beyond this limit. 

Hassan similarly appreciated the National Coordinator for L-PRES Project, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, for his "commendable effort" in assisting NAPRI with laudable project to execute its national mandate. 

He expressed confidence that their relationship with L-PRES would continue to grow stronger to attain food security in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The Deputy Director, NAPRI, Dr Muhammad Sa'id Tanko, who gave a vote of thanks at the occasion, appreciated the passion, interest, commitment, and tireless support of the Hon. Minister of Livestock Development. 

Tanko also acknowledged the fatherly and visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed. 

The Deputy Director, who expressed gratitude to L-PRES national coordinator and his team for the continued support to the institute, also acknowledged the presence of all invited guests at the event, including Deans and Directors from Agric Complex.