New Bill Introduced to Turn Niger State College of Agriculture into Abdulsalami Abubakar University

The House of Representatives has introduced a bill aimed at converting the Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa, into a full-fledged university to be named Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture. The bill, if passed, will see the institution elevated to university status, positioning it as a key hub for agricultural education in the region.

The resolution is part of broader efforts to boost education in Niger State, particularly in Zone A, where Governor Mohammed Umar Bago's stance will be closely observed. According to reports from the House Committee on Education, the conversion is expected to enhance the institution’s capacity for higher education and research in agriculture.

Additionally, the bill follows a proposal to upgrade the College of Education, Minna, into a University of Education. However, this suggestion has been met with some resistance, as the institution is already running degree programs in affiliation with Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. Stakeholders argue that the college has the capability to offer degree programs without needing conversion into a university.

The reforms also include federal plans to grant degree-awarding status to the Federal College of Education, Kontagora, which would further strengthen the institution’s role in training teachers.

As the proposed changes await Governor Bago’s assent, many eyes are on him to see how he will steer these educational reforms and whether the vision for Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture will be realized.