17/05/2026
The Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Ibrahim, has called for stronger collaboration between government, industry and academic institutions to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural colleges and research institutes for food security and job creation.
The call was made during the National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan. The summit, chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, with Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashiru among the keynote speakers, focused on the theme: “Unfolding the Potential of Agricultural Colleges and Institutions through Collaboration and Innovation to Enhance Food Security and Job Creation.”
Presenting the NADF position paper on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Dr Yusuf Jatto, Deputy General Manager, Budget, said the country’s agricultural institutions still hold enormous potential despite years of poor funding, obsolete equipment and weak extension services. He disclosed that the Fund carried out a baseline survey and needs assessment of agricultural research institutes and federal colleges of agriculture in 2025 to identify priority areas for intervention. He said the Fund has already commenced processes to execute projects covering renewable energy, digital infrastructure, mechanisation, laboratories and capacity development.
The Fund also proposed what it described as the “Agri-Transform Model,” built around structured collaboration and innovation. Among the recommendations presented were mandatory practical training for students, establishment of innovation hubs and technology transfer offices, as well as stronger partnerships between colleges and agribusiness firms. NADF said with proper support, agricultural institutions could help raise food production, create thousands of jobs and drive Nigeria closer to food sovereignty.
