Senate Passes Final Reading of Bill to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Shani

The Senate has yesterday passed the final reading of the Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Agriculture in Shani, Borno State.

Leading the charge, the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, championed the bill with a vision to provide academic and professional programs that will equip graduates with practical skills in agriculture, science, technology, management, and allied disciplines.

In his remarks during plenary, Senator Ndume emphasized that the establishment of the College would address the rising demand for agricultural education and innovation, particularly in Borno state, where population growth and increasing industrial demand are driving the need for skilled manpower in the agricultural sector.

He explained that the institution would not only produce graduates with adaptive and developmental skills but also serve as a catalyst for food security, youth empowerment, and rural development.

The Senator noted that although earlier efforts to establish the first Federal College of Agriculture in the Northeast in the ninth assembly were unsuccessful, his persistent advocacy, driven by the strategic importance of the institution to his constituents has now yielded results. 

The lawmaker further highlighted the importance of agricultural resilience in post-conflict recovery and national development. He noted that the College, once established, will collaborate with both national and international institutions on research, training, and policy development aimed at strengthening agricultural governance and managerial capacity.

“I urge my colleagues to continue to support this bill. Given the current administration’s strong interest in agriculture and education, I believe this initiative will receive the backing it deserves,” he added.

With the bill now at its final legislative stage, the Federal College of Agriculture, Shani, is one step closer to becoming a reality offering hope and opportunity to thousands across Borno South and beyond.