Nigeria’s Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, has urged the Federal Government to make agriculture studies compulsory at the secondary school level.
This call to action is aimed at addressing the country’s food security challenges and reducing reliance on imports.
Senator Mustapha emphasized, “We need to get serious about agriculture if we are to feed our growing population and reduce our over-reliance on imports.
“Making agriculture a compulsory and practical subject in secondary schools is a critical step in that direction.”
He also highlighted the importance of exposing young Nigerians to modern, technology-driven aspects of agriculture, such as mechanized farming, agribusiness, and sustainable practices.
This, he believed, can spark renewed interest in the sector.
“Countries like Israel and India have demonstrated how a strong emphasis on agricultural education can turn around their food production capabilities. Nigeria must follow suit by ensuring that every child learns not only the theory of farming but the practical aspects as well.”
Senator Mustapha stressed the need for stakeholders in education, agriculture, and policymaking to collaborate closely to implement these ideas.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Education’s curriculum revision efforts but cautioned that policy must translate into concrete actions.
“There has been enough talk. What we need now are concrete actions, and that includes making sure that schools are equipped with the necessary facilities—farms, greenhouses, and modern farming tools—to make this hands-on agriculture education a reality,” he submitted.