Open Letter to Senator Yaro: A call for Federal University of Agriculture in Gombe South
Sir,
OPEN LETTER TO SENATOR ANTHONY SIYAKO YARO, REPRESENTING GOMBE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
With due respect and deep concern, I am writing to express my perspective on the recent bill you introduced in the Senate regarding the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. This letter also considers the proposed Federal University of Education bill sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (OON), Talban Gombe.
2. As a novice in legislative procedures and governmental policy for project allocation, I seek your guidance and insight. I believe it is essential to strategically consider the needs and priorities of our state. Gombe State is already home to several federal tertiary institutions, including the Federal University of Kashere (Akko Local Government), Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Federal College of Education (Technical) in Gombe, and the Federal College of Horticulture Dadin-Kowa (Yamaltu Deba). Each of these institutions is distinctive in its curriculum, certification, and contribution to education in the region.
3. However, sir, I wish to highlight a concern regarding the proposed Federal College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. This institution appears to overlap in scope and purpose with the existing Federal College of Horticulture, as both institutions would likely offer similar courses and certifications. This raises the question of whether it would be prudent for the federal government to establish two institutions within the same state that offer nearly identical programs but under different names. Considering public policy and the need to optimize the cost of governance, it would be beneficial to avoid redundancies in educational offerings within the state.
4. Instead, I respectfully suggest that the proposed Federal College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry could be reconsidered as a FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY. Notably, the entire North-East geopolitical zone lacks a specialized institution of this nature, and its establishment could fill a critical gap in agricultural education, promote wider regional support, and enhance agricultural and animal husbandry research and development across the North-East.
5. Furthermore, given that Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has already introduced a bill passed 2nd Reading, to upgrade the FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) GOMBE TO UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION (T) status, there could be a strategic opportunity here. Perhaps your esteemed office might consider proposing a bill for relocating this institution FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (T) TO BALANGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA. Unlike Billiri and Kaltungo Local Government Areas, which already host federal and state institutions, Balanga currently has none. Such a move would contribute to balanced educational development across Gombe State, thereby promoting equitable access to tertiary education within the constituency.
READ ALSO: Tight Race: Letter from Abroad to Michelle Obama, by Azu Ishiekwene
6. Senator Yaro, we deeply appreciate your efforts to drive human capital development in Gombe South Federal Constituency and acknowledge the projects you have championed to benefit our community. I hope you will consider the points raised in this letter as you continue your invaluable work for our constituency. A reassessment of the proposed educational institutions could ensure that our resources are allocated effectively, benefiting both Gombe State and the broader North-East region.
7. Thank you for your attention to these suggestions, and we look forward to your consideration.
Yusuf Isah Usman
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Economic and Developmental Studies
Federal University of Kashere
Email: sufisman2014@gmail.com
Phone: 07037832689
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
Thank you for being a great inspiration to us. We are grateful for all that you have done for us.
Pls sir, have you done your research before writing this open letter. Federal University of Agriculture are situated only in each of the Zones of 36 state of Nigeria, the one created in Mubi is for the Northeastern, Zone. The one in Zuru is for the Northwestern Zone. The one in Makurdi is for the North Central Zone etc.