The Federal Government has launched a nationwide evaluation of its agricultural research system, ending a four-decade gap in assessments. This move aims to revamp research institutes and colleges of agriculture across Nigeria.
At the technical session of the NADF Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment of Agricultural Research Institutes and Federal Colleges of Agriculture, which concluded on Friday, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted the significance of this evaluation.
He noted that the last system-wide assessment of the National Agricultural Research System occurred during President Shehu Shagari’s Green Revolution. Since then, no administration had revisited the system until President Bola Tinubu‘s government.
Abdullahi commended the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for spearheading the initiative and emphasized the urgent need to upgrade research and training infrastructure, calling agricultural research the “engine of growth” for the sector.
The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, explained that the evaluation covered 16 agricultural research institutes and 17 colleges of agriculture. He described the state of these institutions as “very, very deplorable,” citing years of neglect. However, he expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would bring a structured reform approach.
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Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, described the assessment as a “rebirth of the agricultural research system,” stating that for over 25 years, no significant efforts were made to improve it.
Prof. Lateef Sanni, Chairman of the Committee of Directors of Research Institutes, stressed the importance of this initiative in tackling food security challenges. He highlighted the need for research institutes to generate and transfer innovative technologies across the agricultural value chain to achieve food security, agro-industrialization, and poverty alleviation.
The assessment findings underscored the urgent need for increased funding and infrastructure upgrades, revealing that most research tools and equipment were decades old and now obsolete. Despite an increase in funding under the Renewed Hope Agenda, budget allocations remain insufficient to address the sector’s infrastructure deficits.
As part of the reform efforts, NADF has initiated partnerships to enhance research facilities. Ibrahim disclosed that the agency had signed an MOU with one of Africa’s largest renewable power companies to provide constant electricity to research institutes. Discussions are also ongoing with an internet service provider to ensure reliable connectivity for these institutions.
Sanni emphasized aligning Nigeria’s agricultural research with global best practices, stating that successful models from Brazil and India were being studied for adaptation to the Nigerian context.
