The Federal Government has reformed agricultural education with the introduction of an 80:20 practical-to-theoretical training model to boost food security and youth employment.
The reform was unveiled on Monday at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre, Abuja, with the launch of 39 reviewed and newly developed agricultural curricula and 31 National Occupational Standards (NOS).
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reforms would reposition agricultural education towards competency-based training, bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs, and advance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Alausa disclosed that the 39 curricula comprise 32 reviewed and 7 newly developed programmes covering National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). The NCE component was developed in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
He said the new framework prioritizes hands-on training through teaching farms, laboratories, greenhouses, processing facilities and Agric-tech hubs, and incorporates emerging fields such as precision agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, artificial insemination and agribusiness.
Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said practical agricultural skills are critical to improving livestock production, food and nutrition security, job creation and export, calling for stronger industry partnerships and funding.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the reforms as a milestone for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), stressing the need for qualified instructors, modern equipment and inclusive access for women, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, who chairs the Implementation Committee, said nearly N1 billion was mobilized for the exercise, with N780 million used for curriculum review and N220 million earmarked for public presentation and practical training of lecturers and technologists across the six zones. He advocated a Trust Fund to address infrastructure gaps.
The Federal Ministry of Education said it will work with relevant agencies and industry partners to translate the curricula into a skilled agricultural workforce, greater youth employment and improved productivity.
