Plateau State University is set to take its agricultural training programs to the next level, thanks to a tractor donation from the State Government. The gift, aimed at supporting the university’s agricultural initiatives, was presented by Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, Commissioner for Agriculture, on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
During the handover, Vice Chancellor Professor Shedrack Best expressed his gratitude to the Governor, highlighting how the tractor would play a vital role in practical learning for students. “This tractor is a great addition to our agricultural resources and will inspire our students by providing hands-on experience,” said Professor Best. He went further, “We already have key resources, such as a dam and the Agricultural Services and Training Corporation (ASTC), which will further enhance the use of this machinery.”
Professor Best emphasised the unique advantage of the university’s rural location, which is surrounded by active agricultural practices. “We are in the heart of agriculture, where farming is integral to the community. This donation helps us bridge the gap between classroom learning and the actual farming techniques that are essential for the development of the sector,” he said.
The Commissioner for Agriculture explained that this tractor donation is part of the state’s broader agricultural transformation plan. “The Governor’s focus is on improving agricultural resilience in the semi-arid landscape of Plateau State. This donation will directly contribute to enhancing agricultural training and production across the state, benefiting both students and local communities,” Bugama stated.
Governor Mutfwang has set an ambitious goal to mechanise agriculture in Plateau State, noting that currently, only 0.05% of the state’s agricultural sector is mechanised. “Our objective is to replace traditional farming tools with modern machinery, which will increase productivity and address the food needs of the state,” the Governor said.
In line with this vision, Governor Mutfwang announced plans to acquire more tractors and establish state-run plantations to engage young people in agriculture. “We’re aiming to cultivate 15,000 hectares this year, significantly increasing the area compared to last year’s 6,000 hectares. Our priority is also to strengthen institutions like Plateau State University that are key in training future agricultural experts,” he added.
The university was among five institutions to receive a tractor through a World Bank donation, and while the university received just one unit, the donation is seen as a significant boost for its agricultural programs
This version starts with the most important information—the donation itself—and then works through the university’s reaction, the state government’s agricultural transformation plan, and finally the broader context and Governor’s goals. It offers a clear flow from the immediate event to long-term plans.
