ARCN Begins Process to Enlist Colleges in TETFund

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Dabban, says the Council has commenced the process of enrolling all ARCN colleges into the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention scheme.

He disclosed this during his maiden familiarisation visit to the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa (FCHDK), in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.

Dr. Dabban explained that a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is nearing completion and will grant ARCN-owned institutions access to TETFund interventions dedicated to strengthening research output, infrastructure development, staff training and academic growth.

Focus on Research, Staff Development and Institutional Sustainability

Speaking further, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at ARCN, Dr. Aliyu Shuaibu Madugu, noted that funds expected under the new arrangement would be channelled strictly into research support and staff development.

Similarly, the Council’s Legal Adviser, Barr. Shehu Aliyu, urged management, staff and unions to operate within the provisions of ARCN’s enabling laws to reduce avoidable disputes and strengthen institutional stability.

Council Applauds FCHDK’s Progress Under Acting Provost

Dr. Dabban also commended the Acting Provost of the college, Dr. Umar A. Umar, for what he described as impressive progress recorded within just three months in office.

“It was not an easy decision to bring Dr. Umar here, but I am satisfied with his achievements in this short period,” the ARCN scribe said.

He advised management to seek waivers to ease payments for casual workers, while also working toward absorbing qualified staff into the federal payroll to reduce financial strain.

The Executive Secretary also encouraged the college to sustain public visibility, deepen community engagement and introduce more academic and vocational programmes to raise student competitiveness.

College Outlines 90-Day Achievements

Presenting a progress report, the Acting Provost highlighted key milestones achieved within 90 days. They include:

• Improved visibility and stakeholder engagement with the host community, traditional leaders and media.
• Revival of abandoned facilities, including greenhouses and other academic assets.
• Repair of three staff buses to solve mobility challenges.
• Establishment of an Academic Planning Unit—described as the “engine room” of the institution.
• Implementation of a 500-Farmers Initiative to support seedling production across local communities.

However, Dr. Umar appealed for increased operational funding, noting that the school currently borrows to pay casual and security personnel due to low overhead allocation.

Management and Emirate Council Back Ongoing Reforms

College management and senior academic leaders expressed full confidence in Dr. Umar’s leadership, urging his confirmation as substantive Provost and promising continued support to sustain ongoing reforms.

The ARCN delegation also visited the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, who commended the Council’s renewed focus on repositioning the college and prayed for a smooth working relationship between all stakeholders.

Facility Inspection Rounds Off Visit

The visit ended with a tour of the institution’s facilities and ongoing projects, led by Dr. Dabban and his delegation.