The House of Representatives has moved a bill for a second reading that seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to establish the National Institute of Rubber Research and Technology in Ilushin, Ogun State.
Sponsored by Hon. Adegbesan Joseph, the bill aims to support the educational and training needs of individuals in rubber technology, serving as a research hub for agriculturists. The institute will offer full-time and part-time courses, awarding national and higher national diplomas, post-graduate diplomas, and degrees in rubber technology.
The institute will also focus on research, training, and extension services, facilitating the dissemination of findings, and hosting conferences and seminars related to rubber technology. Additionally, it will provide laboratory and technical services to farmers and agro-based industries, aiding in the production, processing, and utilization of rubber, gum, and other latex-producing plants.
Highlighting the need for such an institute, Hon. Joseph noted that Nigeria currently has only one research institute supporting 17 rubber-producing states, which he deemed insufficient. He emphasized that Ogun State, a top rubber-producing region, would greatly benefit from increased agricultural focus through the establishment of this institute.