The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, graduates have been advised to stand as strong linkage between the researchers, farmers and industries to enhance agricultural productivity.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, gave the charge, yesterday, during the convocation and award ceremony of the college held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Kyari, represented by the Oyo State Coordinator, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Florence Kakulu, noted that both college and its graduates should stand as strong linkage between researchers, farmers and industries.
He said enhancing agricultural productivity through this collaboration would not only reduce unemployment but also bolster the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consequently leading to a significant reduction, if not total eradication in the country’s crime rate.
He added that if all the graduates and other students effectively utilised the skills acquired in the college, including entrepreneurial skill integrated into the national curriculum, they would inevitably become job creators rather than job seekers.
Addressing the college management and staff, the minister urged them not to relent in improving the standard of knowledge passed across to the students, adding that they should embrace new technologies and exploring all available opportunities in the agricultural sector.
In his convocation speech, Dr Adekoya Owosibo, the Provost of the college, urged the graduands to contribute significantly to the development of agriculture, particularly livestock production in Nigeria and encouraged them to be exemplary ambassadors of the college.
The graduands were awarded certificates for National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Agribusiness Management, Animal Production Technology, Animal Health Technology among others.
