From Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Provost of the Federal College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa, Gombe state Dr Umar Umar Abdullahi, says the institution is undergoing far-reaching reforms aimed at transforming it into a centre of excellence for agricultural education, research, innovation and community development.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Gombe, Dr Abdullahi said his administration inherited a college with low student enrolment of about 250 but has reversed the trend through targeted interventions that increased the figure to about 1,250 at the institution’s most recent matriculation.
He attributed the increase largely to the establishment of a JAMB Support Centre, which assists prospective students, particularly those from rural communities, with admissions and registration.
“Our catchment area is predominantly rural, and many applicants face challenges navigating the digital admission process. The support centre has made admissions easier and significantly boosted enrolment,” he said.
The provost also credited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) with expanding access to tertiary education by enabling eligible students to finance their studies through the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.
He said the college is equally focused on improving academic standards through the re-accreditation of programmes whose approvals have expired, adding that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is expected to visit the institution this month to assess programmes including Agricultural Extension, Cooperative Economics and Management, Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Science, and Library and Information Science.
As part of efforts to align with emerging trends, Dr Abdullahi said the college plans to introduce new programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Microbiology and Social Development, while strengthening entrepreneurship education to equip graduates with practical and marketable skills.
On agricultural development, he disclosed that the college has partnered with Agric Ministries of Nigeria to implement an out-grower scheme for maize and soybean production involving more than 100 farmers from the institution and surrounding communities.
He added that the institution is pursuing affiliation with universities to commence degree programmes, saying the move would expand academic opportunities and strengthen its contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural and economic development.
“The college remains committed to quality education, impactful research, community service and strategic partnerships that will enhance agricultural productivity and support national food security,” he said.