By Idris Umar, Zaria The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A (North-West), and the National Agricultural Ex...
By Idris Umar, Zaria
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A (North-West), and the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) 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 NAERLS headquarters, located within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Representing NANS Zone A, the Zonal Coordinator, Umar Suleiman Doko, signed on behalf of the association, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to pursuing impactful partnerships that support student development and youth empowerment across the North-West region.
The agreement follows sustained discussions and engagements between both parties after a courtesy and collaborative visit to NAERLS 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 MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in key areas, including agripreneurship, agricultural research, student capacity development, practical learning opportunities, youth empowerment, food security initiatives, and other programmes 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.
Those present at the signing ceremony included the Director of NAERLS, Yusuf Ahmad Sani; his deputy, Muhammad Musa Jaliya; and the institution’s Accountant, Shehu Garba.
They commended the initiative and expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute meaningfully to agricultural growth and national development.
The Director of NAERLS noted that despite financial challenges facing the institution, as is the case with many public organisations, the centre remains committed to effectively carrying out its mandate for the benefit of the nation.
He further emphasised that staff of the institution 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 toward improved agriculture, food security, and livelihoods.
The NANS delegation included Muhammad El-Khamis, Engineer Murtala Yahuza, and Abubakar Rabiu, among others.
The event concluded peacefully, with participants expressing optimism that the partnership would make a significant contribution to students, the agricultural sector, and the overall development of Nigeria.
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