By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
Stakeholders in the Education Sector yesterday expressed support for the Senate’s legislative move to establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State.
The proposed legislation received overwhelming support from all stakeholders during a Public hearing yesterday at the National Assembly organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND.
The proposed university, as stated by the sponsor of the bill, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC Borno Central), would be the first of its kind in Africa.
Kaka said the sad trend of the high demand for white-collar jobs and the attendant unemployment rate underscores the need for a specialized university focusing on agriculture and entrepreneurship.
He described entrepreneurship as a form of education that seeks to provide students with the knowledge, skills, attitude, and motivation to succeed in various facets of human endeavour.
He said the students would be equipped to seek investment opportunities and maximize their returns.
Shehu said, “The proposed university, which focuses on agriculture and entrepreneurship, will provide a platform for youths to transform opportunities into business ventures and, accordingly, manage those ventures to become a medium for job creation for themselves and others.”
He added that Nigeria needs the proposed University to tackle the rising rate of youth unemployment, which is second only to South Africa.
He said, “Disheartening is that, according to the Spectator Index (a global youth unemployment index), Nigeria has an astronomical 53 percent youth unemployment rate, which placed it second to only South Africa, which has 61 percent youth unemployment.
“These worrisome statistics generally negatively affect the nation, as they lead to a geometric rise in social vices and crimes in the society, all in the quest for survival. The required solution, however, lies in the proposed university that focuses on agriculture and entrepreneurship education, which prepares the youths to be responsible and enterprising,” he said
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, said the proposed specialized University would be the first of its kind in Africa when established.
The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, and the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Ibn Umar Kyari El-Kanemi, among others, commended the Senate for the legislative proposal and promised to leverage the planned Institution to turn around the fortunes of the State and her people.
