Senate Passes Bill To Establish Federal College Of Agriculture In Borno

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State to strengthen agricultural education, improve farming techniques and increase food production.

The bill was passed for third reading on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during plenary.

Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, the proposed legislation seeks to provide specialised agricultural training and encourage the adoption of modern farming methods in the state and across the country.

Ndume said Nigeria’s agricultural sector continued to face productivity challenges because of its reliance on traditional farming practices and insufficient adoption of modern technology.

He argued that establishing the institution would help equip farmers and students with improved agricultural knowledge, modern production techniques and access to better crop varieties.

“One of the fundamental challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria is our continued reliance on crude farming methods. We have not made sufficient progress in improving productivity and making farming easier through modern technology,” the senator said.

He identified Shani as a suitable location for the proposed college because of its agricultural potential and proximity to farming communities in neighbouring Adamawa and Bauchi states.

According to Ndume, Shani is known for cultivating crops such as rice, tomatoes and onions, making the area suitable for an institution focused on agricultural education, research and practical skills development.

He described the passage of the bill as a significant achievement, particularly as the current legislative session approaches its conclusion.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Senate committee for its work and Ndume for sponsoring the legislation. He expressed optimism that the proposed institution would contribute to agricultural development and economic growth.

The establishment of the college is expected to expand access to agricultural education, strengthen practical farming skills and support the introduction of improved production methods among farmers in the region.

The proposed institution could also help develop skilled personnel for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, where improved productivity remains important to food security, employment creation and rural economic development.

However, the Senate’s passage does not mean the college has been formally established. The bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If approved by the House, it will be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent before it can become law.

The legislative process must therefore be completed before the proposed college can be established under the new law.