By Oluwakemi Kindmess
The House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to establish specialised Colleges of Agriculture across the country to strengthen agricultural education and develop skilled manpower.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and six other lawmakers, seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act to provide a legal framework for establishing the institutions.
One of its key provisions as presemted at Wednesday’s plenary is the establishment of the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The proposed college will train middle-level manpower in veterinary services and medical laboratory technology to support animal health, food security, disease surveillance and healthcare delivery.
The bill also provides for the establishment of other specialised agricultural colleges across the country to strengthen agricultural research, extension services and technical education.
The bill will now be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence before being forwarded to the President for assent.
