Senate Adopts Kalu’s Bill for Federal College of Agriculture in Ohafia

The Nigerian Senate has taken an initial legislative step towards establishing a Federal College of Agriculture in Ohafia, Abia State, following the first reading of a bill sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District.

The bill, titled Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was presented during plenary on Tuesday, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to provide for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ohafia.

Specifically, the bill proposes an amendment to the Third Schedule of the existing Act to include the proposed institution as a new entry.

If passed into law, the amendment would provide the legal basis for establishing the federal college, potentially expanding access to agricultural education, research and practical skills development in Abia State and the wider South-East region.

The proposed institution could also create opportunities for agricultural training and contribute to efforts to strengthen the region’s agricultural sector.

However, the bill has only passed its first reading, an initial stage in the legislative process. It must undergo further consideration by the Senate before it can be passed into law.

The proposal therefore marks the beginning of the legislative process towards establishing the Federal College of Agriculture in Ohafia.