The National Patriotic Front for Tinubu (NPFFT) has proposed the transformation of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra, Cross River State, into a federal university to be named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The proposed institution, to be known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra (BAT-FUASTO), is envisioned as a specialised centre for agricultural education, scientific research, technological innovation, food security and rural development.

The proposal, contained in a 10-page document presented by the group, seeks the consideration and approval of the Federal Government for the proposed transformation of the existing college into a federal university.

The document was powered by Castro Ezama, Director-General of the NPFFT, and Hon. Musa Zubairu, the group’s National Secretary.

According to the proposal, the proposed university would build on the existing institution’s infrastructure, workforce, academic programmes and agricultural orientation while expanding access to degree-level education in the region.

The group argued that upgrading the college would support Nigeria’s drive towards food security, agricultural modernisation, employment generation and economic diversification.

Proposed University to Focus on Agriculture, Technology

Under the plan, BAT-FUASTO would offer programmes across six proposed faculties: Agriculture; Agricultural Engineering and Technology; Science; Engineering and Technology; Environmental and Natural Resources; and Management and Entrepreneurship.

The proposed academic departments include agronomy, crop science, animal science, fisheries and aquaculture, agricultural economics, computer science, environmental science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and business administration.

The proposal also outlines plans to establish specialised research centres focusing on food security and agricultural innovation, climate-smart agriculture, agro-processing, agribusiness development, fisheries, forestry and digital agriculture.

The proposed Centre for Digital Agriculture would explore the use of artificial intelligence, drones, satellite data and Internet of Things technology to improve farming practices and agricultural productivity.

Plans for Research Farms, Student Entrepreneurship

The group also proposed a large-scale agricultural research and demonstration farm to support practical training and provide a model for farmers in Cross River State and beyond.

The planned farm would cover crop production, including cassava, rice, maize, yam, plantain, cocoa, oil palm and vegetables, as well as livestock farming, fisheries, aquaculture and agroforestry.

The document further proposed an “Earn While You Learn” programme designed to equip students with practical business skills and encourage them to establish enterprises in crop production, livestock farming, agro-processing, digital agricultural services and food technology.

According to the proposal, the initiative would help produce graduates capable of creating jobs rather than relying solely on conventional employment opportunities.

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The proposed university would also operate community agricultural extension programmes to provide farmers with improved seedlings, modern farming techniques, soil testing, crop protection guidance and training in cooperative development and agribusiness management.

Three-Phase Infrastructure Development Plan

The proposal outlines a three-phase infrastructure development programme for the proposed institution.

The first phase would focus on foundational facilities, including administrative buildings, lecture theatres, classrooms, a central library, an ICT centre, student hostels, laboratories, a health centre and security facilities.

The second phase would involve the construction of faculty complexes, advanced laboratories, engineering workshops, agricultural research farms, livestock units, greenhouses, aquaculture facilities and food-processing laboratories.

The third phase would provide for a postgraduate school, research institutes, an innovation hub, a technology incubator, an international conference centre, staff housing and additional student accommodation.

The proposed funding sources include federal government budgetary allocations, capital grants, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) interventions, international research grants, public-private partnerships, commercial farm revenue and endowment funds.

Federal Approval, National Assembly Process Required

The document acknowledges that the proposed university would require several legal and regulatory steps before it could commence operations as a federal institution.

These include federal government consideration, a feasibility study, the development of a university master plan, passage of an establishment bill by the National Assembly, presidential assent and engagement with the National Universities Commission (NUC) for resource verification and programme accreditation.

The proposed implementation roadmap envisages an initial year for assessment and planning, followed by legislative processes in the second year, institutional development in the third year and the admission of pioneer undergraduate students in the fourth year.

Further expansion, including postgraduate programmes and international partnerships, is projected for the fifth year and beyond.

Group Seeks Federal Government Intervention

The NPFFT is asking the Federal Government to approve the proposed transformation in principle, direct the Federal Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to conduct a feasibility assessment, and initiate the process towards establishing the institution.

It is also seeking support for the drafting and passage of the establishment bill, alongside federal capital funding and TETFund interventions to develop the proposed university’s infrastructure and academic capacity.

The group said the proposed institution could expand access to higher education in central Cross River State, attract federal investment to Obubra, improve agricultural productivity and stimulate economic activities in surrounding communities.

However, the proposal remains a request for government consideration. The document does not establish that the Federal Government has approved the university or that the proposed institution has received the legislative and regulatory authorisations required to operate as a federal university.

If implemented, the plan would represent a major institutional transition for the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra, with its proponents positioning the proposed university as a centre for agricultural research, technological innovation and rural economic development.