By Abdulkareem Haruna

In the realm of Nigerian politics, where the convergence of knowledge, experience, and genuine passion can bring forth remarkable outcomes, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan stands as a beacon of relentless determination and success. An accomplished lawyer turned public servant, Senator Lawan has consistently surpassed expectations, navigating his political journey with a steadfast commitment to impactful service.

Senator Lawan’s career, marked by a series of triumphs from his tenure as a governor’s legal adviser, to state Attorney General, and his pivotal role in midwifing the civilian Joint Task Force transformation in Borno, has been a testament to his consistent resolve to doing good. 

Critics who once doubted his capabilities as a ‘‘youthful’ senator are today silenced by his continuous delivery of substantial legislative achievements.

Among his most recent and notable endeavors is the introduction of ‘SB185’, a bill advocating for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State. This legislative proposal, which sailed through its first reading on October 5, 2023, has captured the attention of both his colleagues and constituents.

In a compelling speech before the Senate, Senator Lawan eloquently articulated the dire need for such an institution. He underscored the persistent challenge of youth unemployment, which plagues not only Nigeria but nations worldwide. Highlighting alarming statistics, he painted a stark picture of an ugly situation in Nigeria: The learned politician reminded his colleagues at the hallowed chamber that in 2019, a staggering 828,333 youths applied for positions in the Nigerian Customs Service, with only 160,000 shortlisted. Similarly, 324,000 applicants vied for 4,000 vacancies in the Federal Road Safety Corps in 2018. Perhaps most distressing was the revelation that over 1.4 million Nigerians recently competed for just 5,000 jobs in the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Senator Lawan’s proposed university aims to address this crisis by focusing on agriculture and entrepreneurship education. He emphasized that conventional education pathways often fail to guarantee employment, necessitating a shift towards specialized training that equips students with practical skills and entrepreneurial acumen.

“Entrepreneurship education,” he said “fosters a broad set of competencies that yield significant social and economic benefits. ” 

“It empowers individuals to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities, fostering self-reliance and productivity.”

Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan,
Senator Borno Central

Drawing on a report by Al Jazeera, the Borno Central Senator noted that nearly a quarter of Nigeria’s population is unemployed, with young adults aged 30 to 35 facing a particularly bleak outlook. The proposed university seeks to transform this narrative by providing students with the tools to create and manage their own ventures, thus generating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

Senator Lawan’s vision for the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama is not merely about education; it is about fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation. His advocacy reflects a profound understanding of the interconnectedness between education, employment, and national development.

Moreover, the proposed University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship aims to, not only, offer skills and educational opportunities but also address the national security concerns of Nigeria. Bama, located at the epicenter of Boko Haram devastation, currently houses one of the largest camps for internally displaced persons, primarily comprising unemployed youth. These young individuals, lacking skills and job opportunities, often become vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organizations like Boko Haram. Therefore, the establishment of the university has the potential to significantly impact youth engagement for positive development. 

Positioned in the heart of Boko Haram strongholds, the university could play a transformative role in promoting education and fostering critical thinking among the youth, thereby strengthening their resistance to extremist ideologies.

As SB185 progresses through the legislative process, the hope is that it will serve as a catalyst for transformative change, offering new horizons for Bama’s youth, enhancing national security and setting a precedent for addressing unemployment through targeted educational initiatives.

Kudos to the people’s senator.