BILL TO ESTABLISH UNIVERSITY OF AGRIC IRAGBIJI RECEIVES WIDE ACCEPTANCE AT PUBLIC HEARING

Senate committee members, representatives of the host community and other Stakeholders Wednesday voted unanimously for the establishment of the proposed university of agriculture and tropical studies, Iragbiji Osun state.

It will be recalled that the bill sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Michael Bamidele, Ekiti central, received similar acceptance and accelerated 2nd reading immediately after the 1st reading at senate plenary and was subsequently referred for further legislative actions.

Speaking at the one-day public hearing, the chairman senate committee on agriculture colleges and institutions Senator Simon Lalong stated that the bill was refered to the committee to elicit the views of the stakeholders and the public.

He described the establishment of the university as a very important initiative that will lead to increased skilled workforce, innovation, research Entrepreneurship development, increased food production, sustainable practices, food processing and preservation, increased yield and reduced food wastages, job opportunities, rural development, export opportunities, conservative of natural resources, climate change mitigation and environmental education.

He said that the country is rich in agricultural resources and tropical climate which if well harnessed has the potential to make the country a global leader in agriculture.

He stressed that education which the institute will provide will be a hub of excellence for agriculture researches, education and extension services hence the need to invest in education, training and retraining.