FUE Zaria Hosts National Conference on Food Security and Economic Development

The Department of Adult Education and Continuing Education, Federal University of Education, Zaria (FUE Zaria), in collaboration with the Association for Sustainable Development and Community Integration of Nigeria, has organised the 2026 Annual National Conference, focusing on food security, employment, insecurity and economic development.

The conference was held at the Dr. Suleiman Balarabe Chamber, FUE Zaria, and brought together academics, policymakers, development practitioners and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical approaches to addressing food insecurity, unemployment and challenges confronting agricultural development in Nigeria.

The conference was themed “Food Security, Employment, Insecurity and Economic Downturn.”

In her welcome address, the Dean, Specialised Education, Prof. Halima Audi, described the theme as timely and relevant to the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

Prof. Audi commended the Association for Sustainable Development and Community Integration of Nigeria for choosing FUE Zaria to host the conference, describing it as an important platform for scholars and stakeholders to exchange ideas on sustainable solutions to food insecurity and unemployment.

She urged participants to actively engage in the presentations and discussions and translate the knowledge gained into practical initiatives within their communities, particularly in the area of sustainable agricultural development.

Also speaking, the President of the Association for Sustainable Development and Community Integration of Nigeria, Prof. Idris Sa’id, emphasised the importance of food security to human development, noting that hunger could undermine education, productivity and community development.

He said Nigerians had demonstrated resilience, creativity and determination in sustaining agricultural activities despite the numerous challenges confronting the sector.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Halliru Umar, Director, Continuing Education, FUE Zaria, commended the organisers for bringing together relevant stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting food security, employment and sustainable development.

Representing the Royal Father of the Day, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Madakin Gonan Zazzau, Hon. Ibrahim A. Musa Bamalli, expressed appreciation to the association for choosing Kaduna State and Zaria as the venue for the conference.

Hon. Bamalli assured the organisers of the Emirate's continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting meaningful and sustainable development.

He identified insecurity, high cost of agricultural inputs, rising production and harvesting costs, as well as climate change, among the major challenges affecting Nigerian farmers.

In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian National Council for Adult Education said the Association for Sustainable Development and Community Integration of Nigeria had been in existence for more than 14 years and had contributed to women empowerment, employment creation, child development and community advancement.

He commended FUE Zaria for hosting the conference at a significant period in the institution's transition from a college to a university, noting that the development would further strengthen its contribution to national economic and human capital development.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics Prof. Suleiman Balarabe, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, welcomed participants to FUE Zaria.

Prof. Balarabe commended the association for selecting FUE Zaria among other universities to host the conference and urged participants to use the opportunity to exchange knowledge, establish partnerships and develop practical solutions to food insecurity and unemployment.

In his keynote presentation, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), Alhaji Muhammad Rilwan, described food security as a central to pillar of economic development.

He said the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, was making deliberate efforts to connect farmers with viable markets, strengthen livelihoods and improve agricultural productivity.

According to him, agriculture has significant potential to generate employment and improve incomes when adequately supported, secured and integrated into broader economic development strategies.

He further stressed the importance of partnerships among government agencies, international organisations, educational institutions and communities in promoting economic self-reliance and integrating agriculture into adult education.

Presenting the lead paper, Prof. Muhammad Bello Shittu described food security as a community development issue, stressing that a healthy and prosperous society is built on food-secure communities.

He identified the mobilisation of local knowledge and social capital, community participation, strategic partnerships and empowerment as key elements required to build sustainable and healthy communities.

Prof. Shittu urged stakeholders to involve communities in decisions affecting their livelihoods and strengthen local capacity to develop sustainable solutions to food insecurity and other socio-economic challenges.

The conference featured keynote and lead-paper presentations, interactive sessions and scholarly discussions. Awards were also presented to selected participants in recognition of their contributions.

The event was attended by Deans, Heads of Departments and Units, academic and non-academic staff, students and other stakeholders of the university.