KEY POINTS
- Borno to focus on agriculture, entrepreneurship, proposed University.
- Senate initiative seeks to develop job creator out of youth.
- The northern Borno leaders back project to develop regional economy.
Nigeria’s Senate is championing the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State, set to become Africa’s first university specializing in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
When sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, (APC Borno Central), the bill seeks to empower students with entrepreneurial skills, to make job creators rather than job seekers.
University to end unemployment in Nigeria
The university is going for the solution to the staggering 53 percent youth unemployment in Nigeria, Senator Lawan said.
Speaking at the public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, Senator Lawan also said: ‘The institution will be empowering the young Nigerians to spot business opportunities, thereby helping them to translate their ideas into sustainable business ventures.’
The university will be preparing youths to be responsible and enterprising,’ he said, adding that it will impact positively on the economy and both social and political issues in the country.
Economic transformation in Borno leaders’ support
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Bama, Dr Ibn Umar Kyari El Kanemi commended the Senate for their legislative efforts.
In addition the pledge was to use the institution to stimulate the Borno economy and uplift local communities making the region a hub of agricultural and entrepreneurial innovation.
According to The Punch, the university being raised, according to Committee Chairman Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, would create a generation of job creators that are necessary for Nigeria’s growth.
