Business
Agriculture Reform: VC Seeks More Funds For Universities
Vice Chancellor, Landmark University, Prof. Ola-Rotimi
Ajayi on Tuesday called for increased funding of universities to assist in the
Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Ajayi told newsmen in Omu-Aran, Kwara, that the funding would enhance the contribution
of the universities in the efforts to revive agriculture in the country.
He
said that there were many expectations on universities to arrest the current
food insufficiency due to flooding and security challenges.
‘’We
cannot isolate universities in Nigeria from the framework of governance and
administration generally.
‘’Universities
in Nigeria as you have them today are biting more than they can chew. The
resources to even run the programmes are not there. “So, at what point will
they play their roles when they cannot even fulfil the primary roles of
teaching, research and development due to inadequate funding?’’ he said.
Ajayi
said that the adequate funding would galvanise the universities to focus on
agricultural mechanisation, which is vital to ensuring food security, adding
that the universities must go into researches and laboratories to improve
agriculture and see how mechanised agriculture can be encouraged.
‘’They
must also see how improved seedling can be generated and also give it that practical
effect of transferring theories and research findings into practice.“That is
the missing link in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation initiatives as regard
the nation’s universities,’’ he said.
Ajayi
also expressed concern on the poor state
of universities of agriculture.
‘’Look
at the federal universities of agriculture many of them have been ruined. Their
major preoccupation is how to teach students and graduate them on time. The
idea of active participation in agriculture becomes a misnomer, he said. He
said that the Landmark University had from inception envisaged the challenges
in the transformation initiative and introduced scholarship particularly for
students pursuing courses in agriculture.
‘’That
to a great extent becomes the magic wand that attracted students to the
university, especially for agriculture-related courses,’’ he said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
