The Federal Government thru the Federal Ministry of Education wants a substantial reorganisation of agriculture training in tertiary schools, from heavy theory to 80% practical and 20% theory to generate job-ready graduates for the sector.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who received the report of the National Implementation Committee on the Review and Development of Agricultural Curricula for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, said this on Thursday.
The new structure, according to Dr Alausa in a statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, is a far cry from the earlier 70 per cent theory and 30 per cent practice.
This, he said, was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to promote agriculture as skills-based sector and pursue the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The new approach is designed to provide learners with the hands-on experience they need to be effective in the agricultural sector,” stated the Minister.
“I am optimistic that it would lead to a better trained work force, stronger capacity in agriculture and the translation of training into productive activity that contributes to national development,” he said.
Dr Alausa advocated for full implementation of the new curricula and underlined the need for strong sensitisation of industry participants, academics, teachers and other stakeholders on the reasoning for the reforms.
He stressed the need for proper teacher preparation and institutional support for effective implementation.
Presenting the report, the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje said the committee produced:
36 new and revised ND and HND programs
3 NCE curriculum
31 National Occupational Standards – 27 designed from scratch, 4 reviewed
He said the materials have been reviewed and authorised by various regulatory agencies including the Board and Commission and would be formally presented on a public occasion later.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, also lauded NBTE, the Skills Council, industry representatives and academics for their efforts.
She said stakeholder and public engagement over the greater emphasis on practical training will improve understanding and support.
Dr Alausa stated that the Ministry would engage with NBTE, institutions, industry and other stakeholders for effective implementation.
“The emphasis will continue to be on providing young Nigerians with practical skills, strengthening the agricultural sector and turning Nigeria’s agricultural potential into productive opportunities,” he said.
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