Alausa Raises Agriculture Training to 80% Practical By Beauty Akporido Aroh
The Federal Government has moved to overhaul agricultural education in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announcing a new training model that places 80 per cent emphasis on practical learning and 20 per cent on theory.
Alausa disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the report of the National Implementation Committee on the Review and Development of Agricultural Curricula for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, describing the reform as a major step towards equipping Nigerian youths with employable agricultural skills.
The Minister said the new approach represents a clear departure from the former 70 per cent theory and 30 per cent practical model, stressing that agriculture must increasingly be treated as a skills-driven sector capable of creating productive opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to him, the reviewed curricula are designed to take learning beyond the classroom by giving students the hands-on experience required to participate effectively in agriculture and contribute to national economic growth.
> “The ultimate objective is to ensure that young Nigerians acquire practical skills that can be applied beyond the classroom,” Alausa said.
He said the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts to strengthen agriculture, develop human capital and increase youth participation in productive sectors of the economy.
Alausa, however, stressed that the success of the new curricula would depend on effective implementation, calling for comprehensive sensitisation of academics, teachers, industry players and other stakeholders.
He also underscored the need for adequate teacher training and institutional support to ensure that tertiary institutions can deliver the practical component of the new programmes effectively.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, commended members of the review committee and stakeholders, including the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Skills Council, industry representatives and academics.
She said their collaboration had strengthened the curriculum review process and expressed optimism that the reforms would produce measurable improvements in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, disclosed that the exercise produced 36 new and reviewed ND and HND curricula, three NCE curricula and 31 National Occupational Standards.
Bugaje said 27 of the occupational standards were developed from scratch, while four existing standards were reviewed, significantly expanding the framework for agricultural skills development.
He added that the documents had been considered and approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, with the complete set of curricula to be formally unveiled at a later public event.
Alausa assured that the Ministry would work closely with NBTE, institutions, industry and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the reforms.
He said the ultimate goal was to turn Nigeria’s enormous agricultural potential into skills, jobs, productivity and economic opportunities for its young population.
