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, promote agribusiness and strengthen national food security.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre, Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa said the reforms would reposition agricultural education towards competency-based training, bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements, and advance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Alausa disclosed that 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.
The NCE component was developed in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
The new framework prioritises hands-on training through teaching farms, laboratories, greenhouses, processing facilities and agricultural technology hubs. It also incorporates emerging fields such as precision agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, artificial insemination and agribusiness to prepare graduates for evolving industry demands.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, highlighted the importance of practical agricultural skills in improving livestock production, food and nutrition security, job creation and export opportunities. He called for stronger industry partnerships, apprenticeships, adequate funding and modern training facilities to build a productive and commercially viable livestock sector.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the reforms as a significant milestone in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), improving teacher preparation and enhancing graduates’ employability.
She emphasised the need for qualified instructors, functional facilities, modern equipment, continuous professional development and stronger industry partnerships, while advocating inclusive access to skills development for women, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
In her closing remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, urged regulatory agencies, educational institutions and industry partners to work together to translate the reforms into improved teaching, employability, innovation and agricultural productivity.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, disclosed that nearly ₦1 billion was mobilised for the exercise, with ₦780 million reportedly utilised for curriculum review and ₦220 million earmarked for the public presentation and practical training of lecturers, technicians and technologists across the six geopolitical zones.
He advocated Trust Fund to address infrastructure and equipment gaps.
The Chairman of the Sector Skills Council for Agriculture, Mr. Onallo Akpa, represented by the Council’s Secretary, Dr. Idris Ademoh, stressed the need for adequate funding, updated teaching methods, practical exposure and sustained employer engagement to ensure training meets industry requirements.
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting the reforms through collaboration with the Ministry and other stakeholders to strengthen agricultural education and practical skills development.
The Federal Ministry of Education will work with relevant ministries, regulatory agencies, educational institutions and industry partners to ensure the revised curricula and occupational standards translate into a skilled agricultural workforce, greater youth employment, stronger agribusiness, improved productivity and enhanced national food security.
