The House of Representatives has passed a bill to establish the Federal College of Horticulture in Iyara, Kogi State. The bill still needs Senate concurrence and presidential assent before it becomes law.
The bill was sponsored by Arc. Salman Idris, who represents Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency. It seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to provide a legal framework for the institution.
The proposed college is intended to expand access to technical education and training in horticulture and related agricultural fields.
The college cannot be considered legally established until the remaining constitutional and legislative steps are complete. The bill must now be sent to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate agrees, it will go to the President for assent, which would complete the process of making it law.
Horticulture covers the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants and other crops. It is an important part of agricultural production, food supply and agribusiness. Specialised training in the sector can give students and farmers practical skills to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and build commercially viable agricultural enterprises.
Siting the college in Iyara could also benefit surrounding communities through educational development, jobs and increased economic activity. Those benefits depend on the institution being established, funded and operated.
For Kogi State, the college would offer a chance to strengthen agricultural education and build skills suited to modern farming and agribusiness.
The proposed college is among legislative efforts to expand Nigeria’s specialised agricultural education infrastructure. Its eventual impact will depend on how it is implemented, financed and managed.
