Proposal for TY Danjuma University in Taraba State passes second legislative hurdle

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma Federal University of Agriculture and Solid Minerals in Jalingo, Taraba State, in what lawmakers described as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in two critical sectors.

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The bill scaled second reading during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, following a debate led by Sadiq Tafida, who represents Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing Federal Constituency.

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Opening the debate, Tafida said the proposed university is designed to fill long-standing gaps in manpower development, research, and innovation in the agriculture and solid minerals sectors.

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“This proposed institution is not merely an addition to the number of universities in Nigeria; it is a strategic intervention aimed at addressing critical gaps in our nation’s agricultural productivity, solid minerals development, and human capital advancement,” he said.

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He noted that despite Nigeria’s vast natural endowments, the country continues to struggle with food insecurity and underutilisation of mineral resources.

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“Nigeria is blessed with vast arable land and abundant solid mineral resources, yet we continue to grapple with food insecurity, unemployment, and underutilisation of our mineral wealth. Taraba State, in particular, is richly endowed with fertile land suitable for diverse agricultural activities and possesses significant deposits of solid minerals. However, the absence of a specialised federal institution dedicated to these sectors has limited the full harnessing of these resources,” he added.

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According to the lawmaker, the university will prioritise research, skills development, and innovation across agriculture, mining and related disciplines.

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The proposed institution, he added, will focus on “advanced agricultural research and innovation; sustainable exploitation and management of solid minerals; training of skilled manpower in agriculture, mining and related disciplines; and promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance among Nigerian youths.”

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Tafida urged his colleagues to support the bill, stressing the enduring importance of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy and the untapped potential of the mining sector.

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“It remains a major employer of labour and a key contributor to Gross Domestic Product. Yet, productivity remains low due to outdated farming techniques, inadequate research, and poor extension services. Similarly, the solid minerals sector, which has the potential to diversify our economy away from oil dependency, remains largely untapped.

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“The establishment of this university will serve as a centre of excellence where modern techniques in agriculture and mining will be developed and disseminated. It will also foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, thereby translating research outcomes into practical solutions,” he said.

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Beyond academics, Tafida highlighted the wider economic impact of the institution on Taraba State and the country at large.

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He listed benefits to include “creation of employment opportunities for academic and non-academic staff; stimulation of economic activities in Jalingo and its environs; reduction in youth unemployment through skill acquisition and innovation; and promotion of national integration by attracting students from across the federation.”

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He also drew attention to the symbolic importance of naming the university after a prominent Nigerian statesman.

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“Naming the institution after General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma is a fitting tribute to a distinguished Nigerian who has contributed immensely to national development, peace, and philanthropy,” he said.

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Tafida further argued that the proposal aligns with ongoing federal efforts to diversify the economy and expand access to specialised education.

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“The bill is in line with the Federal Government’s policy on economic diversification, food security, and sustainable development. It also complements existing efforts to expand access to quality tertiary education in specialised fields,” he said.

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Addressing concerns about funding, the lawmaker maintained that the institution’s unique focus justifies the investment.

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“It is important to note that the proposed university has a unique mandate that integrates agriculture with solid minerals, a combination that is both innovative and necessary for Nigeria’s development trajectory,” he added.

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The push for a specialised university in agriculture and solid minerals reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s economic structure and workforce preparedness.

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The proposed Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma Federal University of Agriculture and Solid Minerals is positioned within this broader policy direction, with its promoters insisting that a combined focus on agriculture and mining offers a practical pathway to job creation, food security, and economic diversification.

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