By Idris Umar, Zaria The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A (North-West), and National Agricultural Extens...
By Idris Umar, Zaria
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A (North-West), and National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NEARLS) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting agribusiness, empowering students, advancing agricultural research, enhancing food security, and contributing to national development.
The signing ceremony took place at the NEARLS headquarters located within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Representing NANS Zone A, the Zonal Coordinator, Umar Suleiman Doko, led the signing on behalf of the association, reaffirming the organization's commitment to pursuing impactful partnerships that support student development and youth empowerment across the North-West region.
This milestone was the result of sustained discussions and engagements between both parties following a courtesy and collaborative visit to NEARLS on December 4, 2025. The visit was led by Muhammad El-Khamis, who at the time served as NANS Director of Partnerships and Strategic Relations.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in several key areas, including agripreneurship, agricultural research, student capacity development, practical learning opportunities, youth empowerment, food security initiatives, and other programs designed to support national development.
The partnership is expected to create significant opportunities for Nigerian students, strengthen the agricultural sector, support youth employment and entrepreneurship, and help reduce unemployment among young people.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were the Director of NEARLS, Yusuf Ahmad Sani his deputy, Muhammad Musa Jaliya; and the institution’s Trea
Accountan Shehu Garba.
They all commended the initiative and expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute meaningfully to agricultural growth and national development.
The Director of NEARLS noted that despite the financial challenges facing the institution, as is the case with many public organizations, the center remains committed to effectively carrying out its mandate for the benefit of the nation.
He emphasized that the institution's staff continue to work tirelessly to provide agricultural education, guidance, and extension services to Nigerians.
He also called on the government to increase support for research and agricultural extension institutions, enabling them to expand their research activities and strengthen efforts related to agriculture, food security, and improved livelihoods.
The NANS delegation included Muhammad El-Khamis, Engineer Murtala Yahuza, and Abubakar Rabiu, among others.
The event concluded successfully and peacefully, with participants expressing optimism that the partnership would make a significant contribution to students, the agricultural sector, and the overall development of Nigeria.
No comments