During an inspection tour of the institution's School of Agricultural Technology and Engineering in Iguoriakhi, Okungbowa expressed confidence in the restructuring efforts aimed at meeting the demands of the 21st Century.
"We are working very hard to ensure the school resumes by the first semester this year, and a lot of work is going on behind the scenes in addition to the physical structures you see," Okungbowa explained.
He highlighted the institution's exceptional features, including state-of-the-art equipment, aesthetically pleasing structures, and comprehensive infrastructure.
The college is set to have a governing council consisting of stakeholders invested in the agricultural development of the state, including representatives from the government and the private sector.
"We have already constructed the administrative block, academic blocks 1 and 2, library, lecture theatres with capacities of 250 and 1,000, a clinic, female and male hostels, as well as a teaching and research farm," Okungbowa revealed.
Landscaping has already commenced, with the aim of enhancing the visual appeal of the college. Okungbowa emphasised the commitment of Governor Godwin Obaseki to the project, providing the necessary resources and attention to ensure its success.
"The aesthetics of the landscape will become very obvious in the next few weeks. What you're seeing here reflects the Governor's leadership and governance style," he stated.
The ongoing efforts to transform the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources signify the government's dedication to advancing the agricultural sector and positioning the state as a leader in agribusiness.
The college is poised to play a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the agricultural development and overall growth of Edo State.