It also asked the government to quickly construct parameter fence in the school, which was the oldest veterinary school in the Eastern region, to address the issue of land encroachment in the institution.
The House made the call on Tuesday in Enugu following a motion of urgent need for the revitalization of the Veterinary School and Farm School in Achi.
The motion was moved by Mr. Osita Eze, representing Oji River Constituency.
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Eze said the institution, had been a cornerstone of agricultural and veterinary development in Enugu State and across Nigeria.
According to him, it has produced skilled veterinary professionals who have contributed significantly to livestock management and bio-security, both essential to the health of our agricultural sector.
“The school has played a vital role in creating employment opportunities, generating revenue for the state through livestock management, and ensuring the health of our environment by controlling livestock–related diseases.
“Unfortunately, this institution, which was once a beacon of progress in veterinary science and education, has faced numerous challenges over the years that have severely impacted its functionality.
“The school’s land has been increasingly encroached upon, severely limiting its operational capacity.
The lawmaker said the encroachment threatened future expansion and ability to conduct practical training and research, both of which were critical to the institution’s success.
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“The deterioration of the school has caused a significant loss of employment opportunities, both within the institution and in the broader community.
“The loss of trained professionals has also resulted in a decline in the state’s veterinary services, affecting livestock management and overall agricultural productivity,” Eze said.
Mr. Iloabuchi Aniagu, (PDP) Nkanu West, said prayers of the motion were timely, saying the school, if revitalized,
would train enough manpower that would man the proposed ranch management centres in the state.
Aniagu urged the Ministries of Education and Agriculture to ensure that the revitalization was captured in the 2025 budget, adding that there was no provision for it in the 2024 budget.
Mr Anthony Nwankwo, (PDP) Awgu South, while supporting the motion, said that veterinary doctors trained at the school would ensure that healthy animals were sold to the residents of the state.
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In his remark, the Speaker of the House, Chief Uche Ugwu, called on the relevant authorities to do the needful to revitalize and revive the institution.
On the affiliation of the school to the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Ugwu said that it could only be possible through bill, not through motion.
He urged the mover of the motion to re-present the request as a bill.
