National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Senate’s initiative to create the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State, gained strong support during a public hearing on Monday.
Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central), who sponsored the bill, stated that this university would be the first of its kind in Africa. The hearing, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, attracted significant backing from various stakeholders.
Senator Lawan emphasized the necessity of a specialized institution that focuses on agriculture and entrepreneurship, aimed at tackling Nigeria’s high unemployment rates and reducing dependence on traditional employment. “This university will empower youths to turn opportunities into business ventures, creating jobs for themselves and others,” he remarked.
He further highlighted that entrepreneurship education is essential for equipping students with the skills needed to identify and seize investment opportunities, thus fostering economic self-sufficiency.
With youth unemployment in Nigeria reaching a staggering 53%, the senator pointed out the urgent need for such educational initiatives to combat rising social issues and crime linked to joblessness. He reiterated that the proposed university could prepare youth to be proactive and entrepreneurial.
Committee Chairman Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse reinforced the university’s potential, stating that it could nurture a generation of job creators rather than job seekers.
Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum and local leaders expressed their gratitude for the Senate’s efforts and committed to leveraging the university to enhance the region’s economy and improve living standards
