Get Guardian on GoogleThe Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, has described the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, as a strategic institution for advancing agricultural development, entrepreneurship, employment generation and Nigeria’s economic growth.
Abdullahi said the institution had played a significant role in developing skilled manpower, strengthening the cooperative movement and promoting professional knowledge required to transform the agricultural sector and stimulate economic activities across the country.
The minister stated this on Thursday during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, which marked five decades of academic excellence, professional training, human capital development and contributions to Nigeria’s cooperative and agricultural sectors.
Established in 1976, the college has, over the past 50 years, remained committed to producing competent professionals and strengthening cooperative institutions through quality education, research, vocational training and capacity development.
The ceremony attracted an array of dignitaries, which include government officials, lawmakers, educationists, cooperative stakeholders, members of the Governing Council, management, staff, students, alumni and other well-wishers.
Speaking on the college’s Golden Jubilee celebration, held within the institution’s premises, its Provost, Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, described the Golden Jubilee as a remarkable milestone and a testament to the resilience, commitment and sacrifices of successive administrations, members of staff and stakeholders who had contributed to the institution’s growth over the years.
Obidiegwu noted that the contributions of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, to the cooperative sector remained an important part of Nigeria’s institutional and economic development.
However, the Provost drew attention to critical challenges confronting the institution, including inadequate funding, insecurity, rising energy costs and alleged land encroachment.
He warned that these challenges could undermine the college’s operational capacity, infrastructure expansion and ability to deliver quality education if urgent interventions were not provided.
The Provost consequently called for increased government funding, stronger institutional support and strategic partnerships with relevant organisations to enable the college to modernise its facilities, expand academic programmes and improve its contribution to national development.
Stakeholders commended the present administration under Obidiegwu, alongside the Governing Council, management and staff, for their efforts towards sustaining academic standards, strengthening institutional administration and positioning the college for greater accomplishments.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, the institution honoured past and present members of its management and staff in recognition of their dedication, sacrifices and invaluable contributions to its development.
A major highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the college’s maiden convocation ceremony, scheduled for Today, November 13, 2026, even as the convocation lecture would be delivered by Professor Chinedum Nwajuba, former Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University.
