FG REFORMS AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION WITH 80% PRACTICAL TRAINING TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

FG REFORMS AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION WITH 80% PRACTICAL TRAINING TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

ALAUSA unveils 39 curricula, 31 National Occupational Standards to drive skills development and agribusiness

The Federal Government has unveiled 39 reviewed and newly developed agricultural curricula and 31 National Occupational Standards (NOS), introducing an 80:20 practical-to-theoretical training model to equip Nigerian youths with industry-relevant skills and strengthen food security.

Speaking in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the reforms would promote competency-based training, agribusiness and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The 39 curricula comprise 32 reviewed and seven newly developed programmes covering National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) agricultural programmes, with the NCE component developed in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

The framework prioritises hands-on learning through teaching farms, laboratories, greenhouses and agricultural technology hubs, while incorporating precision agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, artificial insemination and agribusiness.

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the reforms as a milestone in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), emphasising qualified instructors, modern facilities and inclusive skills development.

NBTE Executive Secretary Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje disclosed that nearly ₦1 billion was mobilised for the exercise.

The Ministry will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to translate the reforms into youth employment, agribusiness growth, improved productivity and enhanced national food security.

Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations