A bill proposing the creation of a Federal College of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Oluponna, Osun State, has successfully passed its third reading in the House of Representatives and is now set to move to the Senate for approval.

The legislation was sponsored by Hon. Mudashiru Lukman (L&K), who represents the Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

Presenting the bill, Lukman explained that it seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act of 2004 to formally establish the Federal College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in Oluponna, located within the Ayedire local government area of Osun State.

The lawmaker asserted that the bill would significantly bolster the development of Nigeria’s fisheries and aquatic sector, contributing to enhanced food security, economic growth, and the sustainable management of aquatic resources nationwide.

Lukman emphasized the critical need for specialized local capacity in education and research within the sector.

He stated, “The importance of establishing a Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute cannot be overstated, especially in a country like Nigeria, where the fishing industry plays a crucial role in food security, employment, and economic growth. With an increasing global demand for fish and seafood products, there is an urgency to enhance local capacity through education and research. Such an institute would not only serve to bolster academic knowledge but also facilitate the transfer of technology and best practices to practitioners in the field.”

In his concluding remarks, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman urged the Senate to give the bill swift and favorable consideration. He emphasized that its passage would represent a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural and aquatic development agenda.

He appealed to the upper chamber to support the establishment of the Federal College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Oluponna, so that the institution could quickly begin contributing to national food security, youth empowerment, and sustainable resource management.

The lawmaker concluded by calling on the Senate to pass the bill without delay for onward transmission to the President for assent, thereby transforming the vision of a thriving fisheries and aquaculture education hub in Osun State into reality.

Source - https://tribuneonlineng.com