……….…Reiterates Commitment to Infrastructure and Academic Support in Higher Institutions.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s educational institutions through sustained infrastructural and academic support.
Senator Akume made this known during the commissioning of a 500-seater lecture theatre at the College of Agronomy, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), on Thursday 27th March 2025. The facility, implemented under the NEEDS Assessment Projects, was commissioned as part of the 26th to 31st combined convocation ceremony of the university.
Represented by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the SGF emphasized the Federal Government’s dedication to education, research, and national development, particularly in agriculture, which remains a vital sector of the economy.
“These efforts aim to strengthen institutions and position them for global competitiveness. We will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that future projects align with national development goals, particularly in agriculture, which is the backbone of our economy,” he stated.
He further noted that the commissioning of the new facility represents a milestone in the transformation of tertiary education in Nigeria, as it will enhance research, learning, and food production capabilities within the College of Agronomy.
Senator Akume commended the university leadership and stakeholders for their resilience, determination, and vision in ensuring the successful completion of the project despite economic and logistical challenges.
“This facility must be well-maintained and utilized to its full potential so that future generations of scholars can benefit from it,” he urged.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Itodo, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its continued support and assured that the facility would be effectively utilized for academic and research purposes.
The commissioning of the lecture theatre underscores the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, research innovation, and national development, reinforcing the government’s vision for a more prosperous and self-sustaining Nigeria.
Others present at the commissioning included some members of the National Assembly, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Muhammed, top Management members of the University, students, and other government functionaries.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director, Information and PR
28th March 2028
