FG to Boost Agriculture Faculties as BUK Seeks Urgent Intervention

The Federal Government has signaled plans to give priority attention to faculties and colleges of agriculture across Nigerian universities, an initiative aimed at enhancing food security and agricultural innovation through academic support.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Faculty of Agriculture to the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The Vice-Chancellor, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Haruna Musa, welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism about the federal initiative, pending the finalization of the funding framework.

Dean of the Faculty, Professor M.A. Husaini, used the occasion to express appreciation for the appointment of Professor Amina Mustapha as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development. He highlighted her contributions to research and academic leadership.

The Dean also presented the Faculty's most pressing needs, including deteriorating infrastructure, overcrowded offices, and a faculty library damaged by roof leakages. He noted that the recently split Department of Agricultural

Economics and Extension lacks sufficient space and staff, pending approval from the National Universities Commission.

The faculty's incubation centre, donated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, has fallen into disrepair, with both equipment and building structure in need of urgent restoration. A shortage of cleaning personnel and junior academic staff was also cited, with the Dean urging the university to begin recruitment in key areas to support succession and capacity-building.

In response, Professor Musa reaffirmed the University's intention to address these concerns and emphasized the strategic importance of agricultural development. He tasked the DVC (Research) and Director of Academic Planning with initiating short and long-term improvements.

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that while TETFund's 2025 budget is earmarked for renovations rather than new construction, refurbishment of the old agriculture building could provide temporary relief. He concluded.