The Federal Government has unveiled 39 reviewed and newly developed agricultural curricula alongside 31 National Occupational Standards (NOS), introducing an 80 per cent practical and 20 per cent theoretical training model for agricultural education.
The reforms aim to strengthen industry-relevant skills, agribusiness, youth employment and food security by emphasising hands-on agricultural training.
What the 39 curricula cover
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, presented the reforms at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja. The 39 curricula comprise 32 reviewed and seven newly developed programmes across National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) agricultural studies.
The NCE component was developed in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
How the 80:20 training model will work
The practical-focused framework uses teaching farms, laboratories, greenhouses, processing facilities and agricultural technology hubs to give learners experience outside conventional classroom teaching.
The curricula also incorporate emerging areas such as precision agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, artificial insemination and agribusiness to connect education more closely to agricultural workplace skills.
Implementation, facilities and industry partnerships
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, called for stronger industry partnerships, apprenticeships, improved training facilities and adequate funding. The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa'id Ahmad, highlighted the importance of qualified instructors, modern equipment, professional development and inclusive access for women, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, urged regulators, institutions and industry stakeholders to work together to translate the framework into practical results.
Funding and rollout of agricultural education reforms
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, said nearly ₦1 billion had been mobilised for the exercise. He reported that ₦780 million had been utilised for curriculum review, while ₦220 million was earmarked for the public presentation and practical training of lecturers, technicians and technologists across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
Professor Bugaje also advocated a trust fund to help close infrastructure and equipment gaps in agricultural training institutions.
The Chairman of the Sector Skills Council for Agriculture, Mr Onallo Akpa, represented by the council's Secretary, Dr Idris Ademoh, emphasised employer engagement and updated teaching methods. The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr Adamu Abubakar Dabban, pledged collaboration with the ministry and other stakeholders.
The Federal Ministry of Education plans to work with regulatory agencies, educational institutions, relevant ministries and industry partners to implement the revised curricula and occupational standards.
