By Adeola Kunle
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has unveiled 39 reviewed and newly developed agricultural curricula and 31 National Occupational Standards (NOS), alongside an 80:20 practical-to-theoretical training reform, to strengthen food security, expand youth employment and accelerate agricultural productivity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the launch held at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre, Abuja, Dr. Alausa described the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development, designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, equip learners with practical competencies and position agriculture as a driver of economic growth. He stressed that unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potential requires a skilled workforce capable of deploying modern technologies, improving production and building sustainable agribusinesses.
The Minister disclosed that the reform process began in 2025 through collaboration among the Federal Ministries of Education, Agriculture and Food Security, and Livestock Development, alongside regulatory agencies, educational institutions, curriculum experts and industry stakeholders. The exercise produced 39 curricula, comprising 32 reviewed and seven newly developed programmes, as well as 31 National Occupational Standards covering National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and corresponding Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) agricultural programmes, developed in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
A key feature is the 80:20 practical-to-theoretical training ratio, which prioritises hands-on learning through teaching farms, greenhouses, processing facilities and agricultural technology hubs. The curricula also incorporate emerging fields such as Precision Agriculture, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Artificial Insemination and Agribusiness to prepare graduates for evolving industry needs and promote enterprise creation.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed his commitment to working with relevant ministries, regulators, institutions and industry partners to ensure effective implementation. He emphasised that success would be measured by graduates’ practical competence, improved agricultural output, increased employment and tangible contributions to national food security.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step towards practical, industry-driven agricultural education. He praised President Tinubu’s focus on agriculture and livestock development and acknowledged the contributions of the Ministers of Education and Agriculture and the technical team in delivering the reform.
Alhaji Maiha highlighted livestock’s importance to food and nutrition security, employment, industrial growth and exports. Citing the Middle East red meat market, valued at approximately $3.2 billion, he noted that Nigeria’s capacity to compete remained constrained by an inadequately organised sector and a shortage of hands-on expertise. He urged institutions to provide functional farms, promote digital and climate-smart practices, and expand inclusive access to skills, technology, finance and markets, stressing that practical training facilities should be central to institutional accreditation.
Earlier, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the unveiling as a significant milestone in repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), strengthening teacher preparation and aligning education with labour-market demands. She said competency-based instruction and clearly defined occupational standards would improve training quality and prepare graduates for productive employment.
Professor Ahmad called on regulatory agencies, institutions and industry partners to support implementation through qualified instructors, adequate equipment, functional workshops and continuous professional development. She also advocated stronger industry partnerships for apprenticeships, industrial attachments and workplace learning, with equitable opportunities for women, persons with disabilities and young people from underserved communities.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed his resolve to ensure that the reviewed curricula and occupational standards translate into measurable improvements in agricultural skills, productivity and employment nationwide. He pledged sustained collaboration with relevant ministries, regulatory agencies, educational institutions and industry partners to strengthen implementation and equip learners with the competencies to become job creators, drive agribusiness development and contribute to national food security. He emphasised that the ultimate objective is to build a skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial workforce capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector and advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adeola Kunle
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