The authorities of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, have developed a comprehensive, evidence-based blueprint aimed at transforming agriculture and human capacity development in Zamfara State.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, presented the proposal to Governor Dauda Lawal during the commissioning of an upgraded departmental library at the university’s Department of Political Science and International Studies on Thursday.
The governor, an alumnus of the department, personally funded the refurbishment of the facility.
Ahmed said the intervention plan was designed by ABU’s leading research and training institutions — the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), the Institute of Education, and the Institute of Administration.
According to him, the proposal comes at no cost to the Zamfara State Government and represents “a unified and fully harmonised framework” combining agricultural innovation with human-capacity strengthening.
He explained that the blueprint blends crop research and climate-resilient farming systems, livestock productivity innovation, modern extension delivery, and structured capacity building into “a single transformational agenda for Zamfara.”
“The interventions will be implemented in the train-the-trainers mode and delivered largely through virtual platforms using the facilities of the ABU Distance Learning Centre,” the VC said.
He stated that the plan is aimed at restoring crop and livestock productivity across the state, as well as strengthening the resilience of households and communities facing climate shocks and insecurity.
Ahmed said the blueprint also seeks to upgrade the capacity of extension agents, ministries, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) staff, cooperatives, civil servants, teacher service boards, and community-based organisations.
He added that the framework includes a comprehensive training programme targeting senior, middle, and top directorate cadres in the state civil service, describing it as a pathway to a more professional, efficient, and accountable bureaucracy.
The VC commended Governor Lawal for his “merit-driven governance approach,” especially the administration’s decision to appoint permanent secretaries through rigorous examinations instead of political patronage.
He further praised the government for prioritising capacity development, including recent training initiatives for procurement officers, audit personnel and administrative leaders.
Receiving the document, Governor Dauda Lawal expressed gratitude to the university for what he called “a genuine commitment to helping reshape Zamfara’s development trajectory.”
The governor, who earned his degree from the same department in 1988, said he remained indebted to ABU for “laying the foundation” of his career and pledged to continue supporting his alma mater. ENDS.
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