News in brief:
– Hartpury University boasts a 98% employment or further study rate for its animal and agriculture graduates, thanks to a practical curriculum, cutting-edge facilities, and strong industry links.
– Nigerian universities could adopt similar strategies, such as integrating hands-on learning, building industry partnerships, and offering professional development programs.
Hartpury University and Hartpury College have announced an impressive milestone: 98% of graduates from their animal and agriculture programmes secure employment or pursue further studies within 15 months of graduation, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024.
The Gloucestershire-based institution attributes this success to its specialised curriculum, cutting-edge facilities, and strong links with industry, ensuring students gain the practical skills and knowledge demanded by employers. With courses spanning animal behaviour, zoology, agriculture, and environmental science, Hartpury equips students for fulfilling careers in diverse fields.
Key to Hartpury’s distinction is its practical learning approach, bolstered by unique facilities such as a commercial farm, animal hydrotherapy facilities, and on-site research opportunities.
The farm provides real-world exposure to managing dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep, allowing students to directly apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
According to Wanda McCormick, Head of Animal and Agriculture, courses at Hartpury are designed in collaboration with industry professionals to ensure graduates leave equipped with in-demand skills. Students also gain hands-on experience through placements, volunteering, and partnerships with organisations like the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the Canine Hydrotherapy Association, which provide career opportunities even before graduation.
This model presents valuable lessons for universities in Nigeria, where agriculture remains a critical sector for economic growth and food security. Nigerian universities can enhance capacity building by integrating practical, hands-on experiences into their curricula.
Establishing commercial farms or partnerships with agribusinesses would give students real-world exposure to modern farming practices. Furthermore, fostering collaborations with international and local agricultural organisations could open doors for internships, research opportunities, and job placements, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs.
Hartpury’s focus on continuous professional development (CPD) also offers a roadmap for Nigerian institutions to support both students and graduates. By creating programmes for upskilling and offering lifelong career support, universities can ensure graduates remain competitive in the job market.
As Hartpury continues to expand its offerings, including qualifications in small animal hydrotherapy and canine science, its success serves as a model for how agriculture education can drive employability and sectoral growth. Nigerian universities can adapt these strategies to empower agriculture students, fostering innovation and addressing critical challenges in the sector.
