Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu ,CON of Kebbi State has expressed the hope that the new Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru would support the agricultural transformation and derive by his administration as well as the compitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural sector especially at a time when African Continental Free Trade Agreement had been signed.
Bagudu stated this on Friday in Zuru at the matriculation and investiture of the pioneer Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru.
He said the university was created at a time when Kebbi State became more notable about its contribution and potential in agriculture.
The Governor also expressed optimism that the university would grow and become a great center of learning where students from every part of country and the world would come .
‘ The University, I hope will become a great center of learning, we want to see students come from every part of Nigeria and every part of the world ‘, he hoped.
Bagudu lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the bill that resulted in the Act establishing the Institution.
“Buhari has prioritized the growth of academic Institutions across the country in spite of some prevailing challenges like national and international faltering economies and the COVID-19 formidable problems.
He also extolled the contributions of the members of the National Assembly from the state especially Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah in the same direction.
Bagudu promised to partner the new university to make it a world-class centre of excellence, saying, “agriculture is science.”
The governor said that Kebbi Government would not rest on its oars until the Institution was made locally and globally competitive in teaching, learning and research.
He announced that Kebbi State Government, NNPC and a strategic investor have signed a $120 milion agreement on biofuel programme.
The governor said that this had helped in realizing the dream of the state of becoming one of the oil producing states in the country.
“This happy development will see Kebbi State producing a more environmentally – friendly energy, biofuel being used in cars and other machinery.
*The project that is located in Gwazawa, Danko Wasagu Local Government has been on for four years and we are happy that it has now taken off,” Bagudu said.
He stated that arrangements were being made to commence the procurement of assorted machinery for the first phase of the project.
The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Abubakar Mohammed Kaoje who is overseeing the project.
He said,” our dream of joining that league of the oil producing states is now a reality and biofuel is even more eco-friendly. ”
Earlier, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Musa Isyaku Ahmed, in a joyous mood welcomed all on behalf of the council and Senate of the university.
He thanked all those who played vital roles in the realization of the university particularly President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Ministers of Education and Agriculture as well as Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah and Emir of Zuru .
He particularly thanked Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for donating a land the Institution to begin its activities.
He also expressed delight with the inauguration of the governing council and appointment of the Chancellor of the University, His Eminence, Eze ( Dr) Eberechi Dick by President Muhammadu Buhari and appointment of Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba as the Pro Chancellor .
He said history was made at the epoch making of the matriculation ceremony of 500 new students as the first set of students to be admitted into the university.
The new university as a center of learning, he said, shall not only serve as an academic environment but also a place where students were trained in character.
The mission of the university according to him is: ” To be an institutional player in prototypical agricultural skills acquisition as well as entrepreneurship, preoccupied with the task of strengthening human and animal health for effective development of agriculture and livestock resources’.
The Pro Chancellor of the university, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba also expressed happiness over the maiden matriculation ceremony of the students of the university.
He equally thanked the President, Ministers of Agriculture and Education and Senator Bala Ibn Na and his colleagues as well as Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who he said played instrumental role in the emergence of the university.
He called on the students not to engage in examination malpractice, indecent dressing and social vices.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Zuru, Rtd. General Sani Sami, Gomo 11, while appreciating president Muhammad Buhari and all those who supported the creation and take off of the university also felicitated with the first batch of the students.
He charged them to abide by the regulations governing their conduct in the university and also learn the cultures of the Zuru people.
In the same vein, Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah felicitated with the matriculating students and prayed that the University shall serve the hope and aspirations of the Zuru people and by extension, Nigeria.
He prayed that the university would be one of the best learning centers in the world especially with the appointment of capable hands such as the Vice -Chancellor, Pro- Chancellor and the entire management of the new University.
He said the establishment of the university had inspired him to renovate the air strip in Zuru and that a state- of-the-art dialysis center was being constructed by him and that Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was working round the clock to ensure that Zuru is safe and secured .
The Senator charged the students to give priority to the agricultural sector because of its impact on the economy of the country.
Highlights of the historic occasion included the pronouncement of the purpose of the matriculation by the Registrar, AbdulAziz Yusuf Bazata , administration of of oath to the matriculating students and their presentation by the various Deans of the Faculties.
