Senate Seeks China, India, EU Support To Revive Agricultural Institutions
The Nigerian Senate has intensified efforts to reform and revitalise the country’s agricultural colleges
and research institutions by seeking technical support, technology transfer, and collaboration from
China, India, and the European Union (EU).
The initiative is being driven by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, chaired
by Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (APC, Oyo South).
In recent weeks, the committee has held strategic engagements with diplomatic missions and
international partners to address challenges such as outdated infrastructure, limited research capacity,
and declining productivity in Nigeria’s agricultural education system.
On April 1, 2026, Senator Alli met with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, to discuss
enhanced cooperation in agricultural technology, precision farming, and research-driven innovation.
Alli expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support and emphasised the need for stronger
collaboration to advance food security and economic development.
The committee also engaged the European Union delegation in Abuja, where Senator Alli called for
stronger bilateral ties to support sustainable agricultural development.
He briefed EU officials on the committee’s reform agenda and invited them to partner on capacity
building for agricultural institutions.
Similarly, the committee held discussions with the Indian High Commission, focusing on improving
productivity, trade, and institutional strengthening in the agricultural sector.
These engagements are part of broader preparations for the First National Legislative Summit and Expo
on Agricultural Colleges and Research Institutions, scheduled to hold from May 11 to 13, 2026, at the
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The summit aims to bring together stakeholders to chart a new direction for agricultural education and
research in Nigeria, with a focus on climate-smart innovations and global best practices.
Senator Alli has also announced plans for a Global Benchmarking Tour in early 2026 to study successful
models in countries such as Brazil and selected EU member states.
The push for international partnerships comes as Nigeria grapples with high food inflation, declining
agricultural productivity, and the need to reposition its agricultural institutions to support national food
security goals.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
