by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
A call for the establishment of academic and innovation platforms to translate comparative advantages into transformative impact has been made by Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro.
Prof. Bogoro made the assertion, while speaking at the 8th and 9th combined Convocation Lecture at the Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU) recently, as the Guest Speaker, with the theme: ‘Growing a Young University Through Academic Excellence in a Dynamic World and Prospects.’
Represented by Prof Emmanuel H. Kwon-Ndung (who is Professor of Plant Genetics and Breeding, from Federal University of Lafiya), Prof Bogoro emphasized the important role of Cooperatives, Youth-clusters and Women-led enterprises in supporting the agricultural value chain.
He stressed that, the agricultural endowment of Plateau State has the potential as a multiplier for agriculture and the economy, and outlines the flagship areas of agriculture, including climate-smart agriculture, food systems and agri-policy extension.
He further highlighted the unique highland ecology of Plateau State, which offers for agriculture in Nigeria, in addition to the cultivation of specialty crops, animal production, and the potential for processing and value addition in agriculture.
Prof Bogoro elaborated on the processing potential in the state, which includes Potato-flakes, Chips, Starch, Tomato-paste, and Dairy products.
He also discussed the marked access advantages with efficient routes to major markets, and the potential for exporting fresh produce.
The Guest Speaker further suggested the establishment of several centers for Agricultural Research and Innovation, including the Center for Potato and Vegetable Research and Innovation (CPVRI).
He equally proposed the Center for Diet Science and Cold Chain Logistics, the Center for Agro Processing and Value Addition, and the Plateau Climate and Highland Agriculture Research Institute.
He also mentioned the Center for Conflict -Sensitive Agribusiness and Rural Development and the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution.
According to him, “These centers are expected to attract national and international grants, industry contracts, and serve as incubators for students-led agri-startups.”
Prof. Bogoro emphasized the importance of academic excellence and character in defining the quality of graduates, stressing that, there is the need for zero-tolerance for exploitation, extortion, harassment, and abuse of power in universities.
While highlighting the role of federal government regulators and University administrators in enforcing academic standards, Prof. Bogoro stressed the importance of integrity in examination, staff commitment and professionalism.
He called for a strategic plan, guided by an actionable roadmap, for academic development, research, and innovation.
“There is need for the establishment of a second University in the state, focusing on technology, innovation and stem education, and also the need for diversified and predictable financing for State Universities, including grants, industry partnerships, and alumni endowment,” he noted.
He also emphasized the importance of strategic planning, compliance, and community engagement in achieving academic excellence; the check-point implementation roadmap for the Plateau State University, including the digitization of results and adoption of an examination integrity charter.
He also proposed Annual Industry Input, and the establishment of a Grant-seeking Office for TETFund and international journals, while emphasizing on the need for an alumni and endowment strategy, staff development, pipelines, and student-success systems.
Prof. Bogoro, nevertheless, outlined key performance indicators for academic integrity, timely graduation, research grants, students-success and community impact.