Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has signed into law a bill changing the name of the Edo State School of Agriculture to the Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
The governor assented to the bill at the Government House in Benin City after it was presented by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.
The renaming, according to Governor Okpebholo, is aimed at repositioning the institution to reflect the scientific and technological advancement of modern agriculture while equipping students with relevant skills for the sector.
Okpebholo described the development as “a new dawn” for the institution and Edo State, saying the amended law would improve the quality of agricultural education and contribute to food production, revenue generation and employment opportunities for youths.
The governor said the move was timely as states across the country were being encouraged to increase food production and reduce dependence on external sources.
He added that the agricultural sector would create opportunities in livestock production and other areas by training young people in breeding, animal care and modern agricultural practices.
Earlier, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, said the amendment was necessary because agriculture had evolved beyond traditional farming methods and required scientific and technological approaches.
Agbebaku explained that the new structure would help align the institution with international standards and produce graduates with practical skills to drive agricultural development.
Under the new arrangement, the college would operate across three campuses with specialised areas of focus.
The Iguoriakhi Campus would serve as the main campus for Agricultural Technology, the Uromi Campus would focus on Forestry, while the Agenebode Campus will specialise in Aquaculture.
The signing ceremony was attended by principal officers of the Edo State House of Assembly and other government officials.
