Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on the management of Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, to collaborate with Niger Foods and sign a lease agreement to cultivate the institution’s vast arable land in a bid to boost food production in the state.
The Governor made the call while receiving members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Zone A, led by its Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Abdulaziz Ibrahim Badaru, who presented him with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to human capital development in technical and vocational education.
Governor Bago noted that the Polytechnic possesses large tracts of underutilized land and urged the institution to embrace the state’s agricultural initiatives. He emphasized that the move would not only enhance food production but also give students in agric-related courses practical exposure.
Highlighting the recent partnership with the Dangote Group, the Governor said the investment presents opportunities for residents of Wushishi and neighboring communities to improve their livelihoods.
He also commended both Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, and Federal Polytechnic, Bida, for their technical support to the state, describing polytechnics as “hubs for producing technicians and scientists.” Bago expressed gratitude to ASUP for the honor and reassured the union of his administration’s commitment to supporting education.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdulaziz Ibrahim Badaru explained that ASUP’s decision to honor the Governor stemmed from his efforts in human capital development. He praised Governor Bago’s dedication to improving polytechnic education, employing competent staff, and driving knowledge transfer in the state.
Dr. Badaru also lauded the Governor for his developmental strides, prompt payment of salaries, and timely staff promotions. He described him as a leader “rescuing Nigeria through farming and technology,” while urging the state government to constitute a governing council for the Polytechnic to enhance its operations.
