Agricultural Educational Programme is a Transformative Tool for Skill Acquisition and Poverty Alleviation- Dr. Nwadinobi
The need for a more practical and skill-oriented method of agricultural studies has been emphasized by the Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, Awka, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi.
Delivering a keynote address at the flag-off ceremony of the Agricultural Educational Training Programme, AETP, held at the Utility Hall, ASUBEB Headquarters, Awka, Dr. Nwadinobi noted that the training was designed to equip learners at the basic education level with essential skills in agriculture, entrepreneurial knowledge, and life skills in agriculture.
The event organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, in collaboration with
ASUBEB, Awka featured hands-on practical training on various aspects of agriculture, including poultry, crop farming and fishery.
According to the ASUBEB boss, agriculture will not only promote dignity of labour but can familiarize students with the essential processes in agricultural enterprise.
While commending the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR for his unwavering commitment in agriculture to promote food sufficiency by the provision of palm and coconut seedlings to households across the State, which can increase their income when they start fruiting, thereby alleviating poverty in the state.
Dr. Nwadinobi reiterated that Mr. Governor made the AETP initiative possible in Anambra State by paying the State’s counterpart funding and urged the participants to step down the knowledge in their various schools.
“The key objectives of the AETP programme includes instilling entrepreneurial interest in the learners, enhancing their practical skills in agriculture, preparing them for self-reliance in the future, and de-emphasizing the get-rich-quick syndrome now prevalent among the youths”, she explained.
Earlier in a welcome address, the ASUBEB Agric Desk Officer, Mrs Kate Oguejiofor stated that the school-to-farm initiative is aimed at introducing learners in both primary and junior secondary schools to the practical aspects of agriculture as well as inspire them to see farming as a veritable source of livelihood.
Also speaking, the Director, Academic Services, Mrs Christiana Chukwuma noted that the pilot schools for the training will commence implementation with crop farming, poultry, and fishery, where the learners should be actively involved from the beginning of the project to harvesting period.
In attendance were the principal officers of the Board, critical stakeholders including Officers in-charge of the 21 Local Government Education Authorities, Heads of Service of the 21 LGAs, School Principals, Headteachers of benefiting schools, School Based Management Committees, SBMC representatives, and selected learners from the pilot schools.
Questions and answers featured at the event.
