ARCN Boss Commends Institutes’ Contributions to Research and Education

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Abubakar Adamu-Dabban, has begun oversight visits to colleges and research institutes under the council.

He started with the National Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology in Lagos.

Staff Collaboration and Performance

According to a statement by ARCN’s Head of Public Relations, Khadijat Ameen, Dabban expressed satisfaction with the level of collaboration and performance among staff, describing it as the foundation of institutional success.

He urged staff to remain dedicated and continue supporting leadership in advancing research and education. Dabban also assured them of management’s commitment to improving staff welfare.

Funding Initiatives Underway

Dabban highlighted efforts to enhance access to funding through:

• Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)
• Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND)
• 

He noted that a Memorandum of Understanding with TETFUND is expected soon to address funding gaps for lecturers.

NIOMR Achievements

Dabban praised NIOMR for its contributions to:

• Food security
• Poverty reduction
• Sustainable marine development

The institute has 627 staff, with over half being female researchers. Its facilities include outstations for fish feed production and laboratory annexes.

Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology Growth

At the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Dabban lauded:

• Student population growth from 500 to 2,000
• Accreditation of eight new programs
• Development of infrastructure, including 800-bed hostels, engineering structures, laboratories, and workshops
• 24-hour solar-powered operations

Commitment to Research and Sustainable Development

Dabban emphasized that the visits are part of ARCN’s broader mission to strengthen research, education, and sustainable development across Nigeria’s agricultural and marine sectors.

He assured staff of continued support, collaboration, and management’s commitment to advancing the council’s objectives.