The Nigerian government has announced a major shift in agricultural education, mandating that 80 percent of the curriculum in polytechnics and colleges of education be dedicated to practical training. This policy aims to transform agricultural studies from a theory-heavy discipline into a hands-on sector that produces job creators rather than just graduates.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, explained that this initiative is a core component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to boost economic productivity. By reversing the previous ratio of 70 percent theory to 30 percent practice, the government intends to equip students with immediate, marketable skills in farming, processing, and agribusiness. Dr. Alausa emphasized that success will hinge on effective execution, requiring teacher training and the provision of necessary infrastructure at learning institutions.
Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education, praised the collaborative effort between the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and industry experts in crafting this new framework. Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the NBTE, confirmed that the project has yielded 36 new or updated diploma curricula and 31 national occupational standards. These changes are designed to align academic output with the specific demands of the agricultural workforce, ultimately driving the nation’s economic growth under the current administration’s development goals.
