By Anayo Akwitti
The Senate has passed for third reading a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani, Borno State.
The passage followed the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during plenary on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), seeks to promote agricultural education, improve farming techniques and boost agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
Ndume said the proposed institution would address the country’s continued reliance on traditional farming methods and promote the use of modern technology in agriculture.
He explained that the college would equip farmers with improved farming techniques, modern technology, agricultural knowledge and better crop varieties.
The senator noted that Shani Local Government Area is known for the cultivation of rice, tomatoes and onions, adding that its location near Adamawa and Bauchi states makes it suitable for agricultural development.
Ndume described the passage of the bill as one of his major achievements in the National Assembly.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee for its work and praised the bill’s sponsor for the initiative, expressing optimism that the proposed college would contribute to agricultural development.
Following its passage by the Senate, the bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
