Nigeria’s Senate is advancing a bill to establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State, potentially making it the first institution of its kind in Africa.
The proposal, spearheaded by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central), received overwhelming support during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND on Monday.
In his remarks, Senator Kaka highlighted the need for a university focused on agriculture and entrepreneurship to combat Nigeria’s high youth unemployment, currently at 53% according to the Spectator Index.
He explained that the institution would empower youth with skills to transform opportunities into sustainable business ventures, aiming to shift them from job seekers to job creators.
“The proposed university will provide a platform for youths to transform opportunities into business ventures, allowing them to manage those ventures to create jobs for themselves and others,” he said. Kaka emphasized that this kind of institution could reduce social vices by offering students practical entrepreneurial and agricultural skills.
Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee, also lauded the initiative, noting its unique potential in Africa to address the employment crisis. He expressed hope that the university would raise a generation of job creators to support Nigeria’s economic growth and diversification efforts.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, and the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Ibn Umar Kyari El-Kanemi, praised the Senate’s proposal and pledged support.
They expressed confidence that the institution would help revitalize the region, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
With strong support from stakeholders, the bill moves closer to transforming higher education in Nigeria and opening a new frontier for African entrepreneurship.