A group, the Federal University of Agriculture Support Committee, has raised a total of N232.562 million for the take-off of the newly established Federal University of Bassambiri, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Delivering a keynote address at the fundraising ceremony in Yenagoa, the chairman of the Federal University of Agriculture Support Committee, Dr. Ala-Peters David, said that the group decided to organize the fundraising in compliance with the presidential directive that all newly established universities kickoff by September 2025.
He said that Bayelsans would be the direct beneficiaries of the institution, despite the fact that it is a federal university,noting that education remains the bedrock of every society.
He reiterated that it is the first higher institution in Bassambiri which prompted members of the fundraising committee to organize the event to leverage on the granting of the institution by the Federal Government, appealing to well-meaning Bayelsans in particular and Nigerians as a whole to support the growth and development of the school.
In the same vein, the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, who was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner of Education, Gentle Emelah noted that the state government had done a critical assessment and appraisal of the Federal University of Agriculture, Bassambirii with a commitment to assist in the construction of basic facilities for a conducive academic environment for the students and staff of the institution.
He also noted that right from the inception of the present administration, the state government has always prioritize educational policy in the state.
He pledged adequate logistical support to kick-start the University.
While speaking with newsmen at the event, one of the dignitaries, Bob Manuel who is the Chief Executive Officer of Contaract Construction Company, said the time has come to diversity from oil and gas to agriculture as it is capable of being the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
He equally opined that agriculture alone is capable of mopping up the teeming unemployed youths across the Niger Delta, calling on all stakeholders in the educational policy in the South/South region of the country to rally round the new university for the overall benefits of the people.
