New agricultural curricula prioritize practical training for students

The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, has launched 39 reviewed and newly developed agricultural curricula and 31 National Occupational Standards. The launch took place on Monday at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja. The initiative introduces an eighty to twenty practical to theoretical training ratio. This is aimed at equipping students with hands on agricultural skills.

Institutions are expected to prioritise practical instruction through teaching farms, greenhouses, processing facilities and agricultural technology hubs. The curricula also cover areas such as precision agriculture, climate smart agriculture, artificial insemination and agribusiness. The reforms cover National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Nigeria Certificate in Education programmes.

The curriculum review involved several ministries, regulatory agencies, educational institutions and industry stakeholders. The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, called on regulatory agencies and educational institutions to support the implementation by providing qualified instructors and adequate equipment.