Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has restated his administration’s commitment to ensuring even development of every part of the state.
The governor gave this assurance on Tuesday while laying the foundation of Kwara State University (KWASU) College of Agriculture in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government area.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Ahmed said the citing of the Campus in Baruten is strategic as the area is well-known for its agricultural practices, especially in the area of livestock and crop farming.
He noted that the agrarian nature of the community will provide students with the opportunity to gain more insights into agriculture.
Alhaji Ahmed further said that as the country grapple with issues relating to food security and unemployment, it is important that government at all levels provide cutting-edge education to raise knowledgeable young commercial farmers and professionals as well as provide the sector with the required research for innovation and growth.
He noted that having moved away from subsistent and social service-oriented agriculture to a more market driven approach, agribusiness is now more than ever knowledge-based and technology-dependent.
The governor therefore expressed certainty that when the KWASU College of Agriculture commence academic activities, it will be at the forefront of research and innovation.
He also said the institution will equip the agriculture sector with the knowledge and tools to create wealth for farmers, inputs for industry and food security for all.
Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah said the establishment of the Campus in Ilesha Baruba would lead way for accessible higher education for grassroots in the state.
Professor Na’Allah noted that KWASU would exploit the location of the College in pursuing research in agriculture with the establishment of Nigeria-Benin Agricultural Free zone with headquarters in Kwara State.