The House of Representatives has passed a bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Horticulture, Iyara, in Kogi State.
The bill was sponsored by Hon. Salman Idris, FNIA, member representing 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 legal backing for the new institution.
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With its passage at the House, the bill will now proceed to the Senate for concurrence before being transmitted to the President for assent.
When established, the college will expand access to specialised agricultural education, provide technical training in horticulture and related fields, and equip students and farmers with practical skills to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and build viable agribusinesses.
Horticulture — which covers cultivation of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants and other crops — is critical to food security, job creation and agricultural value chain development.
The siting of the college in Iyara is also expected to stimulate educational development, create employment and boost economic activities in Ijumu LGA and Kogi State at large, upon its eventual take-off, funding and operationalisation.
The passage marks a major legislative milestone for the Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu constituency, though the college will only become legally established after completion of the full legislative process.
The proposed Federal College of Horticulture, Iyara is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s specialised agricultural education infrastructure and develop skills relevant to modern farming and agribusiness.
