House Debates Oluwole Oke’s Bill to Establish Federal College of Agriculture in Osun, Eyes Boost in Food Security and Youth Empowerment

 

Abuja — July 8, 2025:

The House of Representatives on Monday began deliberations on a pivotal bill sponsored by Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, seeking to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Ijebu-Ijesa, Osun State.

The bill, which was presented for second reading during plenary, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural education and research framework, with a particular focus on equipping rural communities with tools for sustainable development.

Leading the debate, Hon. Oke, who represents Ijesa North Federal Constituency and remains the only All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Osun State in the 10th National Assembly, emphasized the urgency of expanding agricultural capacity through education.

> “The need for more specialized institutions in the agricultural sector cannot be overemphasized,” Oke said. “This bill is aimed at boosting food security, enhancing agro-based research, and accelerating rural development in line with national goals.”

He noted that the proposed college would serve as a hub for agricultural innovation, generate employment for youth, and improve the livelihoods of local farmers across Osun and surrounding regions.

The motion received strong bipartisan support, with Hon. Bamidele Salam (PDP–Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo) seconding the proposal. He hailed the initiative as both visionary and timely, praising Hon. Oke for demonstrating a rare commitment to grassroots development and educational equity.

“This is not just about another institution,” Salam said. “It’s about building resilience in our food systems, equipping our youth with skills for the future, and ensuring Osun State is not left behind in the agricultural transformation agenda.”

Following the debate, the Speaker of the House referred the bill to the relevant committees for further legislative action. The bill is now slated for review at the committee stage, where stakeholders will offer additional inputs on its implementation framework and long-term sustainability.

In the wake of the debate, several observers and development advocates have applauded Hon. Oke’s proposal as a strategic intervention in addressing food insecurity, youth unemployment, and underinvestment in Nigeria’s agro-educational landscape.

If passed, the Federal College of Agriculture in Ijebu-Ijesa would become a significant institution in Nigeria’s quest for agro-industrial self-reliance, aligning with the federal government’s broader agricultural transformation roadmap.