Thailand to set up agric learning center at Oji River Federal College

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By Madu Obi

The Kingdom of Thailand has concluded arrangements to set up Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Center at the Federal Cooperative College in Oji River, Enugu State.

A joint team from Thailand led by the Thai Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Thirapath Mongtolnaun has visited the College during which it inspected the proposed site for the Centre.

Ambassador Mongtolnaun said the Thai government would collaborate with the college to enhance the training of youths in agriculture and also boost food production in the country.

A two hectare piece of land has been mapped out for the learning center, which will attract students from across the country.

Also included in the Thai team were officials of Kasetsart University (KU) in Thailand and Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), who would provide the technical assistance for the project.

The Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Dr Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu who guided the officials during the inspection said the college would be prepared to donate more land if the need arose.

"By the time you visit here again, all the infrastructure would have been put in place and this site would have become a hub for training. I dedicate this to the millions of Nigerian youths that will be trained here. I want to assure you that the Federal Cooperative College is ready for the take off of the project", Obidiegwu said.

At the ceremony, the Thai Ambassador announced that his country has also provided scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students, adding that the scholarship would cover all costs, including flight tickets for the beneficiaries.

Officials of Kasetsart University and Thailand International Cooperation Agency made presentations on strengthening technical assistance for catfish breeding and agricultural sustainability in Nigeria during the visit.

The 50- year old Federal Cooperative College, Oji River offers National Diploma, ND, and Higher National Diploma, HND, in seven disciplines.