BUK Centre Launches Agric Competition, Donates Seedlings

Vice chancellor of the Bayero University Kano, Prof Sagir Abbas, has called on students, youths and women in the agricultural sector to showcase their talents and creativity to gain support and funding in its second edition of the agri-hiking competition.

The VC made the call during the third open-day and award ceremony organised by the university’s Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) in Kano.

According to him, this effort would further boost agricultural production and business as the institution further donates improved and climate resilient seedlings to their host communities.

While launching the competition programme (Agri-hiking 2.0), the VC who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor, Academics, Prof Sani Gumel, said the programme would provide young talents with the opportunity to make a difference in the field of Agriculture. 

He explained that the centre received 94 applications from agric innovators in its inaugural edition and five winners emerged who benefited from mentorship and support that have made them producers and their products are now ready to be positioned in the market.

“We aim to build on this success by searching for and supporting new innovators who are ready to take their ideas to the next level of minimum viable product stage.

“This initiative is not just a competition; it is a platform to nurture talents, drive sustainable solutions and create wealth while addressing the critical environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by our dryland regions,” the VC said.

Earlier, director of CDA, Prof Jibrin Mohammed pointed out that the essence of the open-day was to create an avenue for interaction and networking between researchers, the academia, partners and farmers.