FG Shifts Agriculture Training To 80% Practical for Youths

The Federal Government has restated commitment to making agriculture a skills-based sector through national occupational standards and practical training for youths.

Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the report of the National Implementation Committee on Review and Development of Agricultural Curricula for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

The committee was set up to overhaul how agriculture is taught in universities, polytechnics and colleges.

Dr Alausa commended the committee for extensive work and described the shift to 80% practical training as a major step toward equipping youths with relevant skills and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the old model was 70% theory and 30% practical.

“The new structure, with 80 percent practical training and 20 percent theory, is designed to provide learners with hands-on experience required to participate effectively in the agricultural sector,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the new approach will produce better-trained workforce and translate training into productive activity.

He called for full rollout of new curricula, with sensitisation of industry players, academics and teachers, plus adequate teacher training and support for institutions.

The new curricula cover crop production, livestock, fisheries, mechanisation and agribusiness, according to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Stakeholders Back Practical Training Push

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, lauded the committee and acknowledged contributions of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Skills Council, industry representatives and academics.

She said collaboration enriched the curricula.

She expressed optimism that reviewed curricula will deliver visible results in agriculture.

She also called for public engagement on the reforms, particularly increased practical training, to promote understanding and support.

The Federal Government says agriculture employs about 35% of Nigerians and remains central to food security. The shift to skills-based training is expected to reduce graduate unemployment and boost productivity.