A bill to establish a Federal University dedicated to agriculture and solid minerals in Jalingo, Taraba State, passed second reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, with lawmakers backing the proposal as a strategic intervention in two critical sectors of Nigeria's economy.

The bill, debated during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, was led by Sadiq Tafida, who represents Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing Federal Constituency. Tafida told colleagues the proposed Institution was not simply another University but a targeted response to persistent gaps in manpower development, research, and innovation.

"This proposed Institution is not merely an addition to the number of universities in Nigeria; it is a strategic intervention aimed at addressing critical gaps in our nation's agricultural productivity, solid minerals development, and human capital advancement," he stated.

Tafida argued that despite Nigeria's natural endowments, the country continues to struggle with food insecurity and underutilisation of mineral wealth. "Nigeria is blessed with vast arable land and abundant solid mineral resources, yet we continue to grapple with food insecurity, unemployment, and underutilisation of our mineral wealth. Taraba State, in particular, is richly endowed with fertile land suitable for diverse agricultural activities and possesses significant deposits of solid minerals. However, the absence of a specialised federal institution dedicated to these sectors has limited the full harnessing of these resources," he added.

The lawmaker outlined the Institution's focus areas as advanced agricultural research, sustainable exploitation of solid minerals, skilled manpower training, and youth entrepreneurship. He also projected wider economic benefits, including job creation for academic and non academic staff, stimulation of economic activity in Jalingo, reduced youth unemployment, and promotion of national integration.

On funding concerns, Tafida maintained that the University's unique mandate justified the investment, describing the combination of agriculture and solid minerals as both innovative and necessary for Nigeria's development.

The Institution is proposed to bear the name of retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma. "Naming the Institution after General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma is a fitting tribute to a distinguished Nigerian who has contributed immensely to national development, peace, and philanthropy," Tafida noted.