Dr. Philips Nto, Director of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has charged primary and secondary school students in Nigeria to develop an interest in agricultural activities. He believes this will not only secure their future but also help curb the current food insecurity in Nigeria.
The director made this plea while receiving students from Topfaith International Schools, Akwa Ibom State, during their courtesy visit to the center.
Dr. Nto, who personally guided the students on a tour of the facility, pointed out the extensive value chain and numerous benefits inherent in the agricultural sector. He described agriculture as a lucrative career path and assured the students that with mechanized farming, the stereotype associated with food production in the past will be eliminated.
He also described agriculture as a sure means of curbing the recent food insecurity and urged the students to embrace it and make it more attractive.
In their speeches, the students expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained from the visit and pledged to embrace agriculture.
A teacher from the school, Mr. James Ishado, thanked the University for making such opportunities available and commended the school for bringing the students to the facility.
The visit was attended by Prof. Maria Njoku, Dean of the College of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology and Extension, along with other staff members from the university and Topfaith International Schools.
