The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s livestock sector with a proposal to establish a University of Livestock Development in Gombe State.
The bill, sponsored by Rt. Hon. Inuwa Garba, is aimed at creating a specialised institution dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in livestock production and management. Lawmakers described the proposed university as a strategic intervention designed to unlock the vast potential within Nigeria’s livestock industry.
- Gombe to participate in World Livestock Summit
- Nigeria, Indonesia push for stronger ties to boost livestock development
Leading the debate on the bill, Garba noted that Nigeria is well-endowed with both natural resources and human capital necessary to build a globally competitive livestock sector. He explained that the proposed institution would serve as a hub for training skilled professionals, conducting cutting-edge research, and promoting modern, sustainable livestock practices.
According to him, the establishment of the university would bridge critical knowledge gaps in the sector, particularly in areas such as animal health, breeding, feed production, and value chain development. He added that it would also play a key role in addressing challenges such as low productivity, outdated production systems, and limited access to technical expertise.
The proposal aligns with ongoing reforms in the livestock sector, including the Federal Government’s renewed focus on agricultural diversification and the creation of a dedicated livestock development framework. Stakeholders believe that a specialised university will provide the institutional backbone needed to sustain these reforms through knowledge generation and capacity building.
Support for the initiative was further strengthened by references to efforts by the Gombe State Government, which has in recent years invested in improving livestock production systems and enhancing value chains. These developments, lawmakers said, make the state a suitable location for such a pioneering institution.
If established, the University of Livestock Development is expected to drive innovation across the sector, support agribusiness growth, and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people. It is also projected to contribute to improved food security and climate resilience by promoting efficient and sustainable livestock practices.
Observers note that the university could position Nigeria as a leader in livestock education and research in Africa, while also serving as a model for integrating academic knowledge with industry needs.
The bill is expected to proceed through further legislative stages as stakeholders continue to push for increased investment in livestock development as a pathway togrowth.1ic growth.
