On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu expressed his determination to confront Nigeria’s problems. Tinubu emphasized that his solutions would come through agriculture, which remains a strategic sector for diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Director (Extension), of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, stated this on Saturday in Umuahia, at the 12th convocation ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
He added that this was why his government increased the number of agricultural universities in the country.
Tinubu said, “Our nation’s problems are diverse and deep-rooted, but we are strongly determined to confront them. Agriculture remains a strategic sector for diversifying our economy, disproportionately dependent on oil. Nigeria certainly needs the solid support of her agricultural scientists and experts as strategic game changers to end hunger in this country. Consequently, the government increased the number of agricultural universities in the country. Your technical skills and expertise will continue to be required until we reach the Promised Land of food security.
“This administration is aware of the unique role that quality education can play in developing men and women of character who are citizens dedicated to the service of their fatherland. Our problems as a nation are numerous, multi-faceted, and complicated. Good education is necessary to understand the complexity of the problems and develop innovative and effective strategies to address the socio-economic and political issues confronting our nation.
“Believing that we must guarantee access to education as a necessary tool to fight poverty and foster growth, this administration has set up the National Education Loan Fund (NEL Fund) to grant student loans on generous terms. This people-orientated initiative will not significantly alleviate the sufferings of Nigerian students and their parents.”
The president added that the establishment and progressive increase of specialised universities of agriculture in the country was well thought out and properly planned to make the country self-sufficient in food production.
