The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa (FCHDK), has organised its maiden seminar titled “Understanding the Laws Establishing Federal Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria,” aimed at deepening institutional awareness of the legal framework guiding the operations of Federal Colleges of Agriculture under the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).
The programme commenced with formal introductions by the College Public Relations Officer, who presented the host and Acting Provost, Dr Umar A. Umar, alongside the guest speaker, Barrister Shehu Aliyu, Legal Adviser of ARCN. Members of the College management, staff unions and other stakeholders were also in attendance.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Provost, Mr Isiaka, commended the College management for the initiative, describing the seminar as a historic milestone and the first of its kind in the institution’s history.
Delivering the keynote presentation, the Acting Provost, Dr Umar A. Umar, stated that although such seminars are common in other higher institutions, this marked the first at FCHDK. He assured participants that similar engagements would now be held regularly.
His presentation focused on the legal provisions establishing ARCN and the Federal Colleges of Agriculture, referencing Decree 4(d) of 1999 and the ARCN Act (Amended) A4 of 2021, which formally placed all Federal Colleges of Agriculture under ARCN.
Dr Umar explained that ARCN’s mandate covers research, training and agricultural extension services, while Federal Colleges of Agriculture are specifically mandated to train skilled manpower for the agricultural sector. He further clarified that, under the amended Act, all Federal Colleges of Agriculture now operate under a single ARCN Governing Board, with supervisory authority vested in the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
He highlighted the statutory powers of the colleges, including academic programme development, agricultural extension services, and the organisation of seminars and workshops. He also emphasised the importance of proper budgeting, annual departmental reporting, and adherence to extant regulations. On land matters, he cited the Land Use Act of 1978, noting that land acquisition must align with state land administration laws.
The guest speaker, Barrister Shehu Aliyu, commended the College for the initiative and praised the clarity of the Acting Provost’s presentation. He provided further legal insights into the principal ARCN Act of 1971 and its subsequent amendments, noting that while ARCN is a corporate body, Federal Colleges of Agriculture are not, but function as affiliated institutions.
According to him, policy direction, employment, promotions and disciplinary actions fall within the authority of the ARCN Governing Board, although certain responsibilities may be delegated. He urged staff to study and strictly comply with the laws governing the system, stressing that institutional stability depends on adherence to due process.
A robust interactive session followed, during which issues relating to employment, promotions, tenure of officers, research funding and land challenges were addressed. Participants were assured of ongoing collaboration with TETFund to enhance research funding, while stakeholders were encouraged to engage state governments and traditional institutions on land-related matters.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Acting Registrar, Mr Gidado Mohammed, who appreciated the speakers and participants for what he described as a successful and enlightening engagement.
