The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has allocated N180 billion for Federal Universities of Agriculture and research institutes in its proposed 2025 budget.
Out of the ministry’s total budget of N636 billion, N54.38 billion is dedicated to Federal Universities of Agriculture, emphasizing the importance of education and research in agriculture.
The allocations were revealed in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, released 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 allocation of N54.38 billion to Federal Universities of Agriculture accounts for 8.4% 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.
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 allocations cover institutions focused on agricultural mechanization, freshwater fisheries, veterinary health, and cooperative development, highlighting the government’s commitment to 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, praised the proposed allocation as a positive step but emphasized the importance of strategic implementation to ensure its impact.
“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 stated.
Ogah called on the government to invest in infrastructure such as hatcheries, processing plants, and livestock facilities to maximize the impact of the allocation.
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 emphasized that universities should allocate part of the funds to enhancing infrastructure, particularly in agricultural faculties.
This could involve constructing or upgrading lecture halls, research farms, greenhouses, and demonstration centers to meet 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 noted.
