By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Taraba state House Assembly Jalingo, on Thursday held a public hearing on a “Bill for the establishment of Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture and Climate Action”, co-sponsored by member representing Mbamnga state constituency Hon. Abel Peter Diah, Member representing Nguroje constituency, Hon. Nelson C. Len and Hon. Abdulazeez Titon, the member representing Gembu constituency.
Our correspondent reports that stakeholders across various sectors including, government officials, academia, civil society organisations, and professional bodies both commended the house for the move.
The stakeholders noted that the university will transform agricultural research and climate adaptation initiatives in the state.
Chief GT Kataps, Secretary to the government of the state Taraba, while speaking at the occasion describing the bill as a milestone in pursuit for sustainable agricultural development in Taraba.
Chief Kataps commended the sponsors of the bill for their foresight, noting that the establishment of the university will not only address food challenges but also empower youth and boost local economies.
“The bill seeking for the establishment of the Taraba state University of Tropical Agriculture and Climate Action, Gembu, in Sadauna local government will improve agricultural research and climate adaptation initiatives in Taraba.
“The establishment of the university will be a breakthrough in many life reality considering the regional long standing marginalization since the 1961 plebiscite. The unique climate and fertile land in the Mambila Plateau is suitable for the establishment of such a specialised institution.
“We called on the state government to ensure adequate funding and infrastructural support to make the university operational and impactful.
“We also urged the host community to cooperate with the government by providing land and other resources necessary for the takeoff of the institution,” the stakeholders supported.
Earlier, Hon. Abel Peter Diah, one of the co-sponsors of the bill while expressing the assembly members commitment to ensure the actualisation of the university, the former speaker informed that the idea was to build the state agricultural and climate resilient future to attract innovation among youths in Taraba.
