Agric Minister, Nanono Commissions Federal University Dutse Incubation Centre

Umar Akilu Majeri

The Federal University Dutse FUD has appealed to Federal Government to transfer the Nigerian Institute for Palm Oil Research to serve as a center for Date Palm in Dutse.

The appeal was made by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Fatima Batulu at the commissioning of the Agricultural business incubation center, AIC at the university.

Batulu also sought the Federal government to construct, furnish, and equip the tissue culture laboratory in the center for Palm research.

According to Professor Batulu said the history of Date Palm in Dutse Jigawa State capital is old as the history of Dutse itself because it has been a major source of economy for the populace.

He said Jigawa state has many varieties of Date Palm that if research and cultivated the country will not need to import dates.

On the issue of agro-processing productivity enhancement and livelihood improvement support, he said the minister of Agriculture has approved their request and proposal has been made but yet no response from the Ministry assured that if the program is implemented it will alleviate poverty in the state.

Batulu further explained that the federal University Center in FUD Jigawa State is one of the best centers among the eight new universities established in 2011, adding that the university which commenced academic activities with three faculties such as Agriculture, Art as well as Social Science, now has seven faculties with additional four faculties of management amongst others.

The minister assured the management of the university that the ministry will address the problem,  assuring that the federal government will take over their problem.