A university don has strongly criticized the proposed conversion of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, into a conventional university, warning that the decision could undermine the institution’s core mandate of advancing agricultural education and research in Nigeria.
The academic, whose concerns echo those of other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, argued that turning the specialized university into a general-purpose institution would weaken its focus on food security, agribusiness, and rural development. He emphasized that Nigeria, as an agrarian nation, needs more specialized agricultural universities to drive innovation, research, and capacity-building rather than diluting their mission.
The debate over the conversion stems from ongoing discussions about restructuring federal universities to expand their scope and accommodate broader academic disciplines. However, critics argue that shifting the university’s focus away from agriculture could lead to reduced government funding for agricultural research, affecting farmers, students, and stakeholders who depend on the institution for industry-relevant knowledge and innovations.
Many have urged the federal government to reconsider the move and instead strengthen existing agricultural institutions to enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in food production. Some academics and industry experts believe that rather than converting specialized institutions, the government should create more funding opportunities, upgrade research facilities, and establish stronger partnerships with the private sector to make agricultural education more attractive and impactful.
As the debate continues, stakeholders in the education and agriculture sectors are closely watching how the government will respond to the growing opposition. The decision on whether to proceed with the conversion is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s agricultural sector and the role of universities in national development.
