A powerful delegation of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) on Monday, 29th October, 2018 visited the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh to solicit the government’s intervention and support in critical areas in the University.

The delegation led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman , FUAM Governing Council, Prof. Alkasum Abba comprised of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. R Kimbir, the DVC (Admin), Prof. P. A Annune, DVC (Acad), Prof. N. O Agbulu; the Registrar, Mrs H. N Nyitse and the University Librarian, Dr S. Uganneya. Others who accompanied the delegation were DIPPR Director, Mrs R. k Waku and the FUAM Liaison officer in Abuja, Mrs L. Gbum.

The Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Ogbeh expressed Pleasure at the visit and stated that FUAM is very strategic in the vision of the present Government which is committed to ensuring food sustainability against the impending population explosion in the country. The Minister further expressed his support for the establishment and introduction of Agribusiness Courses in the University and promised to liaise with the Education Minister to have FUAM College of Health Sciences started. Chief Ogbeh consequently promised to donate two hydrophone machines as well as tractors to the University while informing them of his intention to do a facility tour of the University in November, 2018.

Earlier on, the Pro-Chancellor of FUAM, Prof Alkasum disclosed to the Hon. Minister that FUAM is exploring ways of partnering with the Ministry to improve practical teaching, extension and research in the University. He also hinted the Minister of the University’s intention to partner with some Micro Finance banks to support student Agribusinesses, noting that, that is the only way they can become farmers. Prof Alkasum further revealed to the Hon. Minister that Pro-Chancellors of Universities of Agriculture in Nigeria have been synergizing to discover areas of mutual benefit and development and solicited the support of the Ministry in floating Agribusinesses in the Institutions among others.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kimbir in his speech lauded Chief Ogbeh for supporting FUAM notably in the establishment of an Agribusiness centre; increment in budget allocation as well the citing of a 3.5 KVA Solar plant in the University to address power issues. He subsequently presented two proposals to the Hon. Minister. The proposals sought the support of the Minister in the resuscitation of the FUAM seed centre as well as the establishment of large and small Ruminant breeding in the University. The VC also drew the attention of the Minister to FUAM’s college of Health Science and the need to have it functioning.