As part of ongoing efforts to boost food production, the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has launched a boot camp for 25 young participants focused on Plant Variety Protection (PVP) to advance agricultural development.
The program aims to provide participants with a deep understanding of PVP laws and plant breeders’ rights, enhancing their knowledge of agriculture and food production.
The Acting Director-General of NASC, Dr. Ishiak Khalid, stated in his welcome address at the Boot Camp in Abuja that the training represents a crucial step toward increasing awareness and enhancing expertise in the effective implementation of Nigeria’s Plant Variety Protection (PVP) framework.
He explained that the 2025 Youth Boot Camp on Plant Variety Protection for Agricultural Development in Nigeria is organized by the Nigeria Plant Variety Protection Office (NPVPO), a key division within the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC).
Represented by Mallam Ubandoma Hudu, Director of the Seed Certification and Quality Control Department, Khalid highlighted the steady progress made in establishing protections for new plant varieties. He emphasized that these efforts are essential for ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural sector by driving investment in plant breeding and innovation.
Addressing the participants, he remarked, “You were carefully selected from a pool of over 77 applicants nationwide and represent the next generation of leaders in Plant Variety Protection in Nigeria. During the application review process, we recognized your passion, dedication, and potential—qualities that earned you a place in this Boot Camp. Now, it is your responsibility to apply the knowledge and skills gained here to contribute to the advancement of agriculture.”
He encouraged participants to take the training seriously, actively participate, and seek clarification whenever necessary. “This is a unique opportunity, and I urge you to make the most of it,” he added.
Speaking with journalists, the Registrar of the Nigeria Plant Variety Protection Office (NPVPO), Folarin Okelola, emphasized that the program aims to educate young people on the significance of plant variety protection, also known as plant breeders’ rights protection.
He further explained that this initiative would expose participants to the vast opportunities in agriculture, inspiring them to pursue careers in farming and motivate others to do the same.
This training is designed for young people, particularly women, recent graduates, young lawyers, and agricultural researchers, to enhance their understanding of the importance and impact of plant variety protection, also known as plant breeders’ rights protection.
“It serves as a form of intellectual property protection within the agricultural sector. In agriculture, plant breeders focus on developing new crop varieties with improved yield, superior quality, and better taste. However, their contributions often go unrecognized, which is one reason Nigeria currently has one of the lowest agricultural yields globally.
“If we are to achieve the administration’s food security agenda, Nigeria must become self-sufficient in food production. By adopting improved crop varieties capable of yielding up to five times more than current harvests, the country can not only ensure food security but also begin exporting agricultural products to global markets.”
“Our goal is to engage young people early in their careers. Among the participants, we have recent graduates as well as those who have been out of university for some time. We have brought them together to strengthen their skills, build their capacity, and empower them to become job creators. Beyond that, they will serve as champions, inspiring other young people to explore opportunities in agriculture, including plant breeding,” he explained.
Dr. Esther Ibrahim, the representative of AGRA, a key partner in the program, expressed her excitement at seeing young people actively participating in the training.
She emphasized that the transformation of the food system cannot be fully achieved without a new generation stepping in to sustain and advance the progress.
Esther pointed out that with the farming population aging, it is essential to bring in young innovators who can contribute fresh ideas and drive the transformation of Africa’s agricultural sector.