By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has commenced oversight visits to research institutes and colleges under the purview of the Council, beginning with the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos.
Speaking on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the NIOMR headquarters, Dr. Dabban expressed satisfaction with the work culture and unity among the staff, describing them as the driving force behind the institute’s successes. He charged the personnel to remain committed to their duties and to continue supporting the Executive Director of the institute.
Highlighting ongoing efforts since assuming office, the ARCN Executive Secretary revealed that discussions were ongoing with the Head of Service to address lingering concerns over staff welfare and conditions of service. He disclosed that steps were being taken to ensure access to the Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), stressing that assurances had already been received.
“This is a new dawn and we will change the narrative,” Dr. Dabban declared. “We want to have associate professors in the research circle. We need your support to change the nomenclature.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Director of NIOMR, Prof. Abiodun Sule, said the institute had consolidated its research efforts in areas of food security, environmental cleanliness, and marine sustainability, which have contributed significantly to poverty reduction and GDP growth.
“The institute was established in November 1975 with the mandate to rationalize the exploitation of marine resources and ensure their conservation for sustainable development, as well as to promote a safe and healthy marine environment,” Prof. Sule explained. He further highlighted responsibilities such as genetic improvement of marine and brackish water species, safety of officers and fishermen, post-harvest training and management, and specialized training in marine fisheries.
The NIOMR Director also pledged the institute’s full support for the ARCN, particularly in areas of data collection.
On staff strength, Dr. Ademola Yakub, Director of Biological Oceanography, disclosed that the institute currently has 627 staff, with women constituting more than half of its researchers. He pointed out that NIOMR had recorded major milestones, including the establishment of outstations in Badore, Lagos, where fish feed is being produced, as well as annexes that house several laboratories.
Continuing his oversight tour, Dr. Dabban also visited the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, where he commended the efforts of management and staff in keeping the institution in good shape and ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to national development. He assured them of ARCN’s readiness to support the college where necessary, particularly on issues relating to staff welfare and schemes of service.
He further disclosed that efforts were in top gear to secure funding support from TETFund and NADF. “We have met with the Executive Secretary of TETFund and in the coming days, we are signing a memorandum of understanding with them. So be rest assured that issues bothering on funding for lecturers will be met soonest,” he said.
The Provost of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Dr. Paul Chuks Onuoha, in his remarks, outlined the landmark achievements of the college. He revealed that marine engineering and HND programmes, alongside eight additional programmes, had been fully accredited, leading to a rise in student population from 500 to 2,000.
According to him, the expansion necessitated additional student accommodation, prompting the construction of an 800-bed hostel, as well as new structures for the School of Engineering, laboratories, and workshops.
Dr. Onuoha further noted that the institution operates fully on solar power, providing 24-hour electricity, since it is not connected to the national grid. He pledged the college’s continued support to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.
Dr. Dabban reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to supporting the agricultural research sector, assuring staff and stakeholders that the administration’s backing would strengthen the mandate of ARCN institutes and colleges across the country.
