Alumni association advocates renaming Bauchi College of Agriculture to honor former President Jonathan

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By Abdulaziz Garba, Bauchi

The President of the Alumni Association of Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Bauchi, Muhammad Sani Muazu, has proposed renaming the institution to Goodluck Jonathan College of Agriculture and General Studies, Bauchi State, as a strategic step to secure its future and enhance its relevance.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the NUJ Secretariat in Bauchi, Muazu highlighted the vital role the college has played in shaping the agricultural landscape of Bauchi State and Nigeria, despite facing numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, deteriorating infrastructure, and limited resources.

He commended the efforts of Governor Bala Mohammad, whose intervention, including the fencing of the college and ongoing rehabilitation works, has been pivotal in restoring the institution’s dignity and functionality.

Muazu emphasized that these developments demonstrate the governor’s commitment to revitalizing the college and enhancing its capacity to provide quality agricultural education and training.

The proposal to rename the college in honor of former President Goodluck Jonathan is both symbolic and practical, according to the Alumni Association.

Muazu praised Jonathan’s remarkable contributions to education and democracy during his presidency, citing key initiatives such as the Almajiri Education Programme, which integrated Qur’anic education into the formal education system, and the Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) for first-class graduates.

He also highlighted the former president’s role in strengthening the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), establishing 12 new federal universities, and implementing policies to improve access to education for disadvantaged groups.

Muazu explained that renaming the college would enable it to access TETFUND interventions, unlocking opportunities for improved funding, research, and infrastructure development. Additionally, the change would facilitate the introduction of new academic programs, including entrepreneurship and science-related courses, thereby aligning the college with national standards and enhancing its competitiveness.

The president also noted that the ongoing rehabilitation efforts by the state government are already yielding positive results, with plans underway to introduce more Higher National Diploma (HND) courses.

This, he said, would further expand the institution’s academic offerings and reputation.

Muazu reaffirmed the Alumni Association’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of the college and urged the Bauchi State Government to consider the proposed name change as a strategic move to secure the institution’s future.

He called on all stakeholders to support this vision, ensuring that the Bauchi State College of Agriculture continues to serve as a cornerstone of agricultural education and development in Bauchi State and Nigeria.