The House of Representatives has moved a step closer to establishing Agricultural Science as a required subject in all secondary schools across Nigeria.
On Tuesday, lawmakers passed for second reading a bill that aims to make the subject compulsory in both public and private secondary institutions.
Known as House Bill 2222, the proposal is titled “A Bill for an Act to Make Agricultural Science a Core and Compulsory Subject in all Public and Private Secondary Schools in Nigeria and for Related Matters.”
It was introduced by Alex Egbona, who represents the Yakurr and Abi Federal Constituency in Cross River State.
Speaking during the debate on the general content of the bill, Egbona noted that the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in the areas of economic development and food availability.
He stressed that including Agricultural Science in the national curriculum would help tackle food shortages and create job opportunities for young people.
Egbona added that the government sees agriculture as a key driver of future growth.
Referring to the President’s previous comments on the subject, he said, “President Tinubu has described agriculture as attractive, even though I am not sure what he meant exactly, he clearly sees its importance.”
After the second reading, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas directed the proposed legislation to the House Committee on Education, which will now handle the next phase of legislative review.
