Written by: Abdu Saidu

The Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), held its matriculation ceremony on May 28, 2025, formally welcoming 739 new students into its diverse academic programs. The event marked the beginning of a transformative academic journey for the fresh intakes.

The ceremony, rich in academic tradition and optimism, officially inducted the students into the vibrant intellectual and professional community of one of Nigeria’s foremost agricultural institutions.

In his keynote address, the Provost of the College, Professor M. A. Wailare, congratulated the new students on their successful admission. He described ABCOAD as a “citadel of learning with a proven track record of academic excellence and agricultural innovation.”

“You are privileged to be here today; gaining admission into this institution is not just an academic achievement but a call to higher responsibility—to contribute meaningfully to the development of our agricultural sector and the socio-economic growth of our nation,” he remarked.

Prof. Wailare reiterated the college’s commitment to producing not just certificate holders but solution-driven professionals capable of transforming the agricultural sector through innovation in crop production, livestock, environmental conservation, and agribusiness.

He assured the students of a conducive learning environment, competent faculty, and world-class facilities designed to support their academic and professional growth.

With 14 operational departments, ABCOAD offers a variety of academic programs—including remedial, certificate, part-time, and full-time courses—catering to students with diverse backgrounds and career aspirations.

In line with its philosophy of hands-on training, the college has distinguished itself in practical agricultural instruction. Recently, ABCOAD partnered with the French Embassy and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to train 500 students in agribusiness entrepreneurship. The initiative aimed to empower students to become self-reliant and industry-ready, particularly in areas such as farm management, agri-value chain development, and food processing.

Prof. Wailare highlighted the institution’s dedication to transforming students into job creators, citing the initiative as a testament to the college’s broader mission.

He also expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his unwavering support for ABCOAD. He commended the Governor’s education-focused policies aimed at uplifting the living standards of citizens and tackling poverty and societal ills.

“It is pertinent to acknowledge the support we received from the Kano State Government, especially the accreditation fund that facilitated the visit of the NBTE accreditation team in February, resulting in full accreditation for 12 academic programs,” the Provost said.

He further noted that the government’s intervention extended to covering overhead costs, slashing registration fees by 50%, sponsoring ABCOAD alumni for postgraduate studies abroad, and initiating major infrastructure projects. These include the renovation of the female hostel and the construction of a perimeter fence—both approved by the Kano State Executive Council to enhance security and comfort on campus.

Prof. Wailare also lauded the dedication and professionalism of both academic and non-academic staff, acknowledging their indispensable role in the college’s continued progress.

Barrister Salisu Haruna Ahmad administered the matriculation oath to the new students, officially recognizing them as bona fide members of the college community. He urged them to uphold discipline, respect institutional rules, and remain committed to academic excellence.

The event featured remarks from Heads of Departments, from the Dambatta community, and parents—all of whom encouraged the students to stay focused, disciplined, and patriotic.

The 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony reaffirmed ABCOAD’s status as a leader in agricultural education and innovation in Nigeria. As the college continues to grow in stature and impact, its newest students are poised to carry forward its legacy of excellence, transformation, and service to the nation.