Hon. Joseph Bassey’s bill to establish University in Akpabuyo passes second reading

A bill to establish the Federal University of Agriculture in Atomkpe Inamiti, Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State has scaled through second reading in the House of Representatives.

While leading the debate on the bill, Hon. Joseph Bassey, who represent Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, said that the potential benefit of the proposed institution can never be over-emphasized, adding that over 90 percent of the people of Atomkpe Inamiti and neighbouring communities are farmers, hence the need to promote and enlighten them and Nigerians as a whole on best practices.

“Mr. Speaker and Hon. Colleagues, the objectives for the establishment of the university is to provide and promote sound basic scientific training as a foundation for the development of Agriculture and technology in Nigeria, taking into account indigenous cultures and need to enhance national unity.

Mr. Speaker, the Federal University of Agriculture, Atomkpe Inamiti in Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal Constituency, Cross Rivers State, when established will serves as a research training centre for development on Education, Engineering, Environmental Monitoring and assessment of collaboration with other world-class institutions of agriculture.

“More importantly, Mr. Speaker and Honourable Colleagues, this institution will prepare young citizens as a workforce and leadership in diverse, global, and technology-driven environment. The next generation will tilled towards agriculture and not oil and gas, guaranteeing diversification of the economy.

Mr. Speaker, for a knowledge-based economy, the proposed university will become a key element of innovation systems both as a creator of new knowledge and ideas based on research and as a provider of human capital. The establishment of the University would ensure the training of Nigerian youths and would help reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country.

“If the University is established it will definitely improve economic activities in the local government and in Cross Rivers State as a whole.

I therefore implore my Hon. Colleagues to support the Second Reading of the Bill which seeks to establish the Federal University of Agriculture, Atomkpe Inamiti in Cross Rivers State”, Hon. Bassey submitted.