FG To Partner Akwa Ibom University On Livestock Development, Research

The federal government has expressed readiness to partner with the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology (FUATECH), Obio Akpa, Akwa Ibom State, to address manpower shortages in agriculture and technology, with a focus on livestock production, research and innovation.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the temporary site of the newly established university in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Maiha said the proposed partnership would promote practical-oriented education and develop the skilled workforce required to improve livestock production and strengthen agricultural research in Nigeria.

During the visit, the minister congratulated the vice-chancellor, Prof. Joseph Essien, on his appointment and urged him to ensure that the institution’s academic programmes prioritised practical training.

He commended Essien and his management team for the progress recorded within less than five months of his assumption of office, while pledging the ministry’s support for livestock development and other agricultural initiatives.

The minister stressed that practical training was essential to preparing graduates with the technical skills needed to address challenges in the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors.

He urged the university to ensure that a greater proportion of its teaching and learning activities involved hands-on training.

“I am proud of your achievements. We shall partner with the institution for livestock development,” Maiha said.

The minister’s visit also included an on-the-spot assessment of the university’s potential for agricultural and livestock development, as part of efforts to identify areas for collaboration.

Those present included the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor; FUATECH Registrar, Mfonabasi Isaiah; University Librarian, Dr. Mbuotidem Umoh; and Chief Security Officer, Mr. Otu Solomon.

Others were Mr. Patrick Usen of DeLaval Sweden and Dr. Ephraim Okon of CODORAN.

Members of the minister’s delegation included Dr. Gidado Muhammed; Dr. Uyobong Uko, Zonal Director, South-South, FMCD; Dr. Moses Arokoyo, President of the High Vet. Med. Association; and Dr. C. O. Adeteberu.

The visit highlighted the university’s stated commitment, under the leadership of Essien, to practical agricultural education, research and strategic partnerships aimed at supporting food security and sustainable national development.