Edo Assembly Passes Bill Establishing College of Agriculture, Science, Technology
Education
Benin, Edo — The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, passed a significant bill repealing the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Law, 2019, and enacting a new law to establish the Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
The legislation, which expands the institution’s mandate beyond agriculture and natural resources to include science and technology programmes, aims to broaden educational opportunities, enhance technical skills development, and support the state’s agricultural and technological advancement goals.
After a clause-by-clause consideration in the Committee of the Whole House, lawmakers approved the Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Bill 2026. The new law outlines:
• The establishment and commencement of the institution.
• Composition of the Governing Council.
• Membership and functions of the Academic Board.
• Financial provisions and administrative structures.
An amendment moved by Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi Atu (Uhunmwonde Constituency) and seconded by Hon. Sunday Ojiezele added the First Schedule (pages 26 and 27) to facilitate implementation.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku directed the Clerk of the House to transmit clean copies of the bill to Governor Monday Okpebholo for assent.
The bill was sponsored by Hon. Kayce Osawonye, representing Uhunmwonde Constituency.
This development builds on the existing Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (established by the 2019 law), which has been operational and offering admissions in recent years.
The upgrade reflects a push to integrate science and technology into agricultural education, aligning with efforts to boost food security, skills training, and economic development in Edo State.
DAILY South Nigeria understands that during the same plenary, the House received a request from Governor Okpebholo for the confirmation of Mr. Martins Anayochukwu Oli (also referred to as Martin Anayor in some reports) as a commissioner-designate.
The matter was referred to the relevant committee for screening.
Speaker Agbebaku also expressed sympathy for victims of recent heavy rainfall in parts of the state, which destroyed homes and property, and conveyed condolences for flood-related deaths in Lagos. The House adjourned until Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
This passage marks another step in the current administration’s focus on education and agriculture sector reforms in Edo State.
Once signed into law, the college is expected to commence operations under the new framework, potentially increasing access to specialised programmes in agriculture, science, and technology.
