Senate passes bill for proposed University of Agriculture in Orerokpe

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Senate has passed the University of Agriculture, Orerokpe Bill, sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, through its third reading, marking a legislative milestone in efforts to establish a specialised agricultural institution in Delta State.

Dafinone announced the development in a statement, describing the passage of the bill as a significant step towards expanding access to higher education, promoting agricultural development and creating opportunities for young people in the state.

The proposed university is expected to provide additional educational opportunities while supporting agricultural innovation and helping to unlock the agricultural potential of Orerokpe and its surrounding communities.

According to the senator, the initiative is designed to connect education with agricultural development and create opportunities that could benefit future generations.

“This is more than the passage of a bill; it is a statement of purpose, a promise of progress, and an investment in generations yet unborn,” Dafinone said.

The passage of the bill through its third reading represents progress in the legislative process towards establishing the proposed institution. However, further steps would be required before the university can become operational.

Dafinone Highlights Education and Agricultural Development

Dafinone said the proposed institution would contribute to expanding access to education in Delta State while creating a platform for advancing agricultural development.

He described the university as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between higher education and the agricultural sector, particularly by providing young people with additional pathways to learning and future opportunities.

The senator expressed optimism about the vision behind the institution, saying its establishment could support development in Delta Central and contribute to the wider growth of the state.

He maintained that investments in education and agricultural innovation were important to creating opportunities for young people and supporting long-term development.

The proposed university’s agricultural focus is expected to place the sector at the centre of its educational mission. However, the statement announcing the bill’s passage did not provide details of the proposed institution’s academic programmes, planned facilities, funding arrangements or commencement date.

Dafinone’s announcement focused on the broader objectives of expanding educational access, promoting agriculture and creating opportunities for future generations.

Senator Calls for Stakeholder Support

Following the passage of the bill, Dafinone urged constituents and other stakeholders to sustain their support for the proposed university.

He stressed that the legislative milestone should translate into lasting benefits for the people, adding that collective commitment would be important to advancing the vision behind the institution.

The senator called on stakeholders to support efforts aimed at strengthening education, encouraging agricultural innovation and creating opportunities for young people.

“The future of our children is too important to leave to chance. Together, let us champion education, drive agricultural innovation, create opportunities, and build a legacy that generations will celebrate,” he said.

He described the Senate’s action as a significant development in the effort to advance Delta Central and expressed confidence in the potential of the proposed university to contribute to the area’s development.

The call for sustained support also reflects the need for continued engagement among relevant stakeholders as the proposed institution progresses through the necessary legislative and administrative processes.

Next Steps Towards Establishing the University

Although the bill has passed its third reading in the Senate, its passage at that stage does not by itself mean that the proposed university has commenced operations.

Further legislative steps, including consideration by the House of Representatives and presidential assent where required, would be necessary before the proposed institution could be established under federal law.

The statement announcing the Senate’s action did not specify the next legislative timetable or provide details on when the remaining steps would be completed.

It also did not outline the proposed university’s governance structure, admission plans, budget or arrangements for developing its campus in Orerokpe.

For now, the bill’s passage represents progress towards the senator’s stated objective of expanding educational opportunities and supporting agricultural development in Delta State.

Dafinone said the initiative was intended to create a lasting legacy for young people and future generations, urging constituents and stakeholders to remain committed to the vision behind the proposed University of Agriculture, Orerokpe.