A legislative initiative by the Nigerian Senate to establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State, has garnered support from stakeholders during a public hearing held on Monday.
Sponsor of the bill, Senator Kaka Lawan (APC-Borno Central), highlighted that the proposed University would be the first of its kind in Africa.
He emphasised the urgent need for a specialised institution that focuses on agriculture and entrepreneurship, given the increasing demand for white-collar jobs and the accompanying high unemployment rate in the country.
According to Senator Kaka, entrepreneurship education equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and motivation for success in various fields.
He noted that such empowers students to identify investment opportunities and maximize their returns. “The proposed university will serve as a platform for youth to convert opportunities into viable business ventures, creating jobs for themselves and others.”
He pointed out that Nigeria urgently requires this institution to address the soaring youth unemployment rate, which ranks second only to South Africa. “Currently, Nigeria faces a staggering 53% youth unemployment rate, placing it behind South Africa’s 61%. These alarming statistics contribute to rising social vices and crime as individuals struggle to survive,” he added.
Senator Kaka believes the solution lies in creating a university focused on agriculture and entrepreneurship education, preparing young people to become responsible and enterprising.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Dandutse, echoed these sentiments, noting that the proposed university would be a trailblazer in Africa.
“This Entrepreneurship University will cultivate a generation of job creators instead of job seekers,” he remarked.
Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, along with Shehu of Bama Dr. Ibn Umar Kyari El-Kanemi and other stakeholders, expressed gratitude to the Senate for this legislative proposal.
They expressed their commitment to leveraging the planned institution to transform the fortunes of the state and its residents.
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