FG commits N180bn to agric varsities, research institutes in 2025

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has proposed spending N180bn on Federal Universities of Agriculture and research institutes in the 2025 proposed budget.

Of this amount, N54.38bn is allocated specifically to Federal Universities of Agriculture, as part of the ministry’s total N636bn allocation.

The allocations were disclosed in the newly released 2025 Appropriation Bill by the Budget Office of the Federation on December 18, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu presented the N49.70tn budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to a joint session of the National Assembly on 17 December, 2024.

The proposed N54.38bn allocation to universities represents 8.4 per cent of the ministry’s total budget.

The breakdown includes: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, N13.77bn; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, N14.17bn; Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, N3.98bn;

Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa State, N2.96bn; and

Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State, N3.58bn

Additionally, the ministry has allocated N126.03bn to over 40 research institutes.

Some notable allocations include:

Agricultural Research and Management Institute, Ilorin: N2.17bn; National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi: N4.29bn; National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State: N6.44bn; National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike: N6.86bn.

Others are National Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin: N5.08bn; National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan: N4.34bn; Federal College of Agriculture, Akure: N2.30bn; Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service: N5.47bn and Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research: N5.09bn.

The full list of allocations spans institutions involved in agricultural mechanisation, freshwater fisheries, veterinary health, and cooperative development, underscoring the government’s emphasis on research-driven solutions for food security and economic growth.

A lecturer at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly University of Agriculture, Makurdi), Dr. Moses Ogah described the proposed allocation as a positive development but stressed the need for strategic implementation.

“Yes, it is a step in the right direction. We cannot say it is enough, but I think it has never been like this before. So, if someone is coming out with a proposal like that, it’s good,” Ogah said.

He highlighted the universities’ potential to tackle food security challenges, reduce food costs, and support national development.

“The essence of establishing the University of Agriculture is to engage in food production so that food can be sold to the populace at subsidized rates. Unfortunately, we are not living up to the expectations and mission of these institutions,” he noted.

Ogah urged the government to provide infrastructure like hatcheries, processing plants, and livestock facilities.

An agricultural economist and researcher at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Tobi Awolope also shared his thoughts on the proposed N54.38bn allocation.

“Regarding the proposed N54bn for universities in the 2025 budget, there are several expectations from universities, especially those in the agricultural ecosystem, given the increasing importance of the agricultural sector for national development.

“Agricultural universities should prioritize research that addresses pressing issues such as food security, climate change, and sustainable farming practices. The funds could support the establishment of modern laboratories, field research centers, and partnerships with local farmers and agribusinesses for real-world application of research outcomes,” she added.

Awolope noted that “Universities should use part of the funds to improve infrastructure, especially in agricultural faculties. This could include building or upgrading lecture halls, research farms, greenhouses, and demonstration centers that align with current global agricultural standards.”

“The key expectation is that these funds would contribute to transforming agricultural universities into innovation hubs that play an active role in driving the nation’s agricultural transformation agenda,” Awolope emphasised.

President Tinubu emphasised his administration’s commitment to security and infrastructure in his budget speech, stating, “This budget will ensure we secure peace and rebuild prosperity.”

The proposed budget is based on economic assumptions, including a projected inflation rate decline from 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent and an exchange rate adjustment from N1,700 to N1,500 per dollar.

Experts believe these strategic investments in education and research institutes could enhance food security, foster innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.