Professor Isaac Nathaniel Itodo, Vice Chancellor of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, has urged the Federal Government to involve agricultural universities in the policy-making process of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security planning.
Addressing the 9th Council of the University, Itodo emphasized the need for agricultural universities to participate in policy enactment, review, and delivery. He suggested that vice chancellors of these universities should be involved in Nigeria’s international relationships on agricultural matters.
Itodo proposed a study to determine stakeholders’ perceptions of agricultural universities, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, smallholder farmers, and international research institutions. This would help redefine the roles of these universities and inform a potential restructuring.
The Vice Chancellor also announced plans for an annual Research and Innovation Week, where universities can showcase their innovations to end-users and receive feedback. This event will feature interactive seminars and field demonstrations of agricultural innovations.
Itodo assured the Council of his commitment to transparency and frugal management of resources, seeking their cooperation and support.
