Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Colleges and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong, has sponsored a bill to upgrade the Plateau College of Agriculture Garkawa, located in Mikang Local Government, into a Federal University of Agriculture.
The bill, which passed first reading, was presented on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, 27th March 2025.
During the plenary presided over by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, the bill titled “Federal Universities of Agriculture Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 (SB 768)” was read by the Clerk of the Senate.
Senator Lalong, while speaking on the bill, said he is seeking the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture Garkawa from the current College of Agriculture due to the agricultural potential that needs to be harnessed in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
He stated that as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Colleges, he has recognized the need for the country to focus more on agricultural development through research and production to address food security and export.
According to him, it is time for the nation to utilize its vast agricultural potential to create jobs for its youth.
He said the Plateau College of Agriculture Garkawa is located in Plateau South Senatorial District, an agriculturally viable area that offers a good environment for research and practical training, which will help Nigeria progress.
Senator Lalong recalled that as Governor of Plateau State, his administration did a lot to revive the college by providing manpower and funding.
He expressed optimism that the upgrade to a University of Agriculture would boost the institution’s capacity to not only train and produce agriculturally skilled personnel but also provide a base for accelerating the processing of farm produce.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Special Adviser, Media to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Plateau South Senatorial District. 27th March 2025.
