Overview and History of Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State

 
The Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru (FUAZ) stands as a landmark institution in Nigeria’s higher education and agricultural development landscape. Located in Zuru, Kebbi State, this university was established with a clear and focused mission: to harness the power of agriculture, science, and technology toward rural transformation, food security and national development. In a country where agriculture remains a critical backbone of the economy and where many regions are seeking ways to leap forward through biotechnology, agribusiness and sustainable farming, a dedicated university such as FUAZ fills a vital niche. Rather than being a generalist university, FUAZ is purpose-built for agriculture and allied sciences, meaning students are not only taught theories but are exposed to hands-on farming, agribusiness incubation and research in areas like crop science, animal science, fisheries, and veterinary medicine. This specialised orientation is especially important in the context of Nigeria’s Middle Belt and North-West regions — where Kebbi State sits — which can greatly benefit from localised agricultural innovation and education that speaks directly to regional realities (soil types, climate, farming practices) and national needs (food security, export, value-chain development).

Moreover, the university’s rural setting in Zuru allows for an immersive educational environment: students are embedded in an agrarian context, with opportunities to engage with surrounding communities, farms, and extension services. For the host region, the presence of FUAZ means not just student training, but research breakthroughs, jobs, infrastructure development and a centre of knowledge that can uplift local agriculture and economy. As we explore this institution further — from its website and motto, to its founder, history, leadership, academic structure, campus life and alumni — we will see how FUAZ is anchoring itself as a bridge between academia and agrarian transformation in Nigeria.

##Official Website
The official website of the university is https://www.fuaz.edu.ng/On the site you will find information about admission (including entry requirements and Post-UTME announcements), academic programmes, colleges/departments, student services, news updates and contact information. For those interested in applying, researching partnerships or learning more about agribusiness training in Nigeria, the website is the best gateway.

##Motto
While I was unable to locate a widely published official motto for FUAZ from available sources, what clearly emerges from its vision and materials is a focus on “agricultural transformation, job-creation and value-chain innovation” in rural Nigeria. The university’s branding emphasises “Produce job-providers instead of job-seekers.” 

This guiding idea functions as a de facto motto, conveying the institution’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to producing graduates who will leverage agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship to generate employment and uplift rural economies.

##Founder
The Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru was founded by the Federal Government of Nigeria through an Act of the National Assembly, and is operated as a public federal institution. 

The decision to upgrade the former College of Agriculture in Zuru into a full university was taken under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, as part of the federal government’s policy to expand the higher-education frontier and introduce specialised agriculture universities in underserved regions. 

##History
The history of FUAZ is quite recent but significant. The institution previously existed as the College of Agriculture, Zuru (affiliated with Ahmadu Bello University in earlier years) and operated under the supervision of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) from 1977. 

In April 2019, legislation was passed (via the National Assembly) to upgrade the college to full-fledged university status — the Senate approved a bill for the “Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru” and the President assented to it. 

The university officially commenced take-off in September 2020, with the federal government announcing its launch. 

The upgrade reflects both regional aspirations and national strategy: Kebbi State’s government and the college’s stakeholders were committed to the transition, recognising that the upgrade would accelerate agricultural research, agribusiness entrepreneurship and rural development in the area

Since its launch, FUAZ has been building its academic structure, recruiting faculty, developing its permanent campus site in Zuru, Kebbi State, and setting the stage for meaningful contributions to food security, research and community outreach. Its evolution from a college to a university underscores the growing emphasis on agriculture as a strategic sector in Nigeria, and the need for higher-education institutions that are tailored to regional strengths and national food systems.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of FUAZ is Eze Eberechi N. Dick, JP, a traditional ruler who was appointed as chancellor in 2021. 

Brief biography:

Eze Eberechi N. Dick serves as the Eze Udo I of Mgboko Ngwa Amaise Kingdom in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State. 

He is a business magnate, traditional ruler and served as Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers. 

His appointment as Chancellor aligns with the common Nigerian university practice of choosing eminent persons (often traditional rulers or high-profile citizens) for this largely ceremonial role — providing prestige, stability and stakeholder linkages for the university.

With his position, the Chancellor serves as the titular head of the institution, presiding over convocations and contributing to the external representation of the university. The day-to-day leadership lies with the Vice-Chancellor (discussed next).

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and recognition are foundational for any university’s credibility. For FUAZ:

The institution is recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as a federal university in Nigeria. 

While detailed accreditation reports for individual programmes at FUAZ are less publicly accessible than for older institutions, the university’s admission notices indicate that its programmes are “approved by the NUC” for the 2023/24 session.

Given its recent establishment (2020), full accreditation of all programmes may be still in progress, but its establishment and operations under federal law lend it legitimacy.

Prospective students and stakeholders are advised to verify accreditation status for specific programmes (especially professional ones) via the NUC or the university’s portal.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
FUAZ has organised its academic activities and built its infrastructure with agriculture, science and technology at the core. Key features include:

Colleges and Departments – For example, the College of Agriculture hosts departments such as Crop Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics & Extension Services, Fisheries & Aquaculture. 

Science-based Programmes – The university offers B.Sc. programmes in 

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Mathematics

Computer Science 

Agriculture 


##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at FUAZ, given its rural setting and specialized mandate, offers some unique features:

Rural immersive environment: Being in Zuru, Kebbi State, the campus sits in a farming and agro-economic zone, giving students proximity to real-life agriculture, extension services and farming communities. This context enhances educational relevance and community engagement.

Hands-on learning opportunities: With departments like Crop Science, Animal Science, Fisheries & Aquaculture, students are likely engaged in labs, farm practicals and fieldwork, which is a different dynamic from purely lecture-based programmes.

Developing infrastructure: The university is still growing its facilities, which means students may enjoy the benefits of a new institution, such as modern design, ongoing construction and opportunities to shape student life culture. On the flip side, some amenities might still be under development.

Student services and portals: The institution offers student portals for registration, hostel application and course management, indicating digital integration into student services.

Community engagement & entrepreneurship: Given the institutional ethos — “produce job-providers instead of job-seekers” — students may have access to entrepreneurship training, agri-business incubation and rural development projects as part of their campus life.

Hostel, recreation and student welfare: While detailed listings are limited, standard student accommodation, cafeteria, study spaces and recreational areas are part of the planned campus life offering. Prospective students should evaluate current status for incoming sessions.