Nigeria has conducted its first evaluation of agricultural research in 40 years, signaling a commitment to revitalizing research institutes and agricultural colleges across the nation.
Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced this development at the report validation's technical session for the NADF Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment of Agricultural Research Institutes and Federal Colleges of Agriculture in Abuja.
The evaluation, which covered 16 agricultural research institutes and 17 colleges of agriculture, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's agenda to transform the agricultural research system. Mohammed Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of NADF, noted the "very, very deplorable" state of the research institutes due to years of neglect but expressed optimism due to the government's renewed commitment.
Prof. Garba Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, called the assessment "a rebirth of the agricultural research system in this country". Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, stressed the importance of the initiative in addressing Nigeria's food security challenges.
The assessment revealed an urgent need for increased funding and infrastructure upgrades. The government has begun to address these issues, with increased funding and partnerships to enhance research facilities.
