Jalingo- The Taraba State University on Wednesday said it would offer free consultancy services to farmers at its research farm, in a bid to assist in revamping the nation’s agricultural sector.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Yahaya, disclosed this at the award presentation ceremony organised by the institution’s Sandwich Students Association in Jalingo.
Yahaya said the university, due to its strategic positioning, was ready to take a leading role in the country’s agricultural development.
“We have embarked on an effective research farm to help achieve this feat.
“Through our research farm, we have successfully carried out cross breeding of animals and introduced disease-resistant species, which are safe for rearing by farmers.
“I am delighted to inform you that the university’s research farm is working effectively and we are ready to offer free consultancy services to farmers in order to foster agricultural development in the country,’’ he said.
The vice-chancellor presented a bull each to former Taraba Governor, Danbaba Suntai, and Gov. Darius Ishaku, as well as a ram to the Taraba Assembly Speaker, Mr Abel Diah.
The don said the animals were to be used as breeding stock on the various farms of these state officials.
On its academic programmes, the vice-chancellor said the university’s 34 programmes had been fully accredited within its eight years of existence.
He noted that of the 34 programmes, 17 were sandwich.
Yahaya commended the Sandwich Programme Coordinator, Dr John Ajai, for insisting on standards, saying it had enabled the university to gain accreditation of its courses in good time.
The vice-chancellor lauded the Sandwich Students Association for recognising and rewarding their teachers and administrators’ hard work.
He said this would encourage these educationists to do more on the job.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sandwich students presented merit awards to former Gov. Danbaba Suntai, Gov. Darius Ishaku, Prof. Mohammed Yahaya, and Dr John Ajai.
They also presented awards to the Taraba House of Assembly and the university’s Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Hassan Garba.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Suntai, who was represented by Mr Joshua Auta, commended the university’s authorities and students for keeping the dreams of its founding fathers alive.