The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Gombe State, has expanded its academic offerings with the introduction of new programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Social Development and Microbiology, as part of efforts to align education with Nigeria’s evolving social, economic and technological needs.
The Provost of the college, Dr Umar Abdullahi, disclosed the development while speaking with journalists in Dadin Kowa, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.
According to him, the newly introduced courses are designed to equip students with practical knowledge and skills that address contemporary challenges, ranging from digital transformation and cybersecurity to social development and community resilience.
Dr Abdullahi explained that the Social Development programme was established to tackle pressing societal concerns such as insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and other social issues affecting communities across the country.
He said the programme aims to produce graduates capable of promoting peacebuilding, conflict resolution and sustainable community development.
“The Social Development programme was designed to address concerns over insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and other social challenges by equipping graduates with the knowledge required to promote peace, conflict resolution and community development,” he said.
On the technology-focused programmes, the Provost noted that the AI and Cybersecurity courses were introduced to prepare students for opportunities in the rapidly expanding digital economy.
He said the programmes would provide learners with relevant digital skills and position them to compete effectively in both local and international job markets.
“Our goal is to position the college as a modern institution that responds to the needs of society while producing graduates with relevant skills, innovation and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development,” Dr Abdullahi stated.
Beyond its academic expansion, the college is also strengthening efforts to preserve indigenous plant species through conservation initiatives at its nursery.
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The institution is currently cultivating seedlings of native tree species, including tamarind, baobab (Adansonia digitata) and borassus, with plans to establish a dedicated conservation plantation.
Dr Abdullahi said the project would help safeguard plant species that are gradually disappearing from the natural environment and ensure they remain available for future research and educational purposes.
“Even if these trees disappear from the wild, future generations will still be able to find and study them here,” he said.
The college is also intensifying its focus on entrepreneurship and practical skills development through partnerships with several organisations.
According to the Provost, every student undergoes training in income-generating activities, including soap production and other vocational skills aimed at promoting self-reliance after graduation.
In addition, the institution has expanded its community engagement efforts through a collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to implement an out-grower scheme for maize and soybean production.
Under the initiative, participating farmers receive improved seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals at no cost through the college’s consultancy services. The programme also guarantees the purchase of harvested produce at prevailing market rates.
Dr Abdullahi said more than 100 farmers from host communities and members of staff are currently participating in the pilot phase, with the college providing technical support and supervision throughout the farming season.
He noted that the initiative is expected to improve livelihoods, boost agricultural productivity and contribute to broader efforts aimed at transforming agriculture in the region.
The introduction of AI and Cybersecurity programmes, alongside initiatives in conservation, entrepreneurship and agricultural development, reflects the college’s ambition to evolve beyond its traditional horticultural focus and prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world.
AI Writer
Bio: Joseph Michael is an MBA graduate in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a passionate tech enthusiast. As a professional writer and author at AIbase.ng, he simplifies complex AI concepts, explores digital innovation, and creates practical guides for Nigerian learners and businesses. With a background in marketing and brand communication, Joseph brings clarity, insight, and real-world relevance to every article he writes.