News in brief:
– Lagos State education board is working to revitalise agricultural practices in schools to inspire future generations of farmers and enhance food security.
– It embarked on a field trip to Ikorodu to provide students and educators with firsthand experience in fish and livestock farming.
The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) is making efforts at reviving agricultural practices in schools. Led by Executive Chairman Dr. Hakeem Shittu, the initiative aims to inspire future generations of farmers and boost food security.
A recent field trip to Erikorodo Poultry Estate in Ikorodu brought together pupils, agricultural teachers, and desk officers from all 20 Local Government Education Authorities. It was part of the Board’s Agricultural Education Training Programme, designed to give students and educators firsthand experience in fish and livestock farming.
Dr. Shittu emphasised the practical value of the program during his speech, calling on teachers to ensure that knowledge acquired during the farm tour cascaded to their various schools. The LASUBEB Executive Chairman stated that his vision is for agricultural education and practices to flourish once again in Lagos schools.
He further said that the action is necessary in empowering students with marketable skills, while creating a pipeline of young agri-preneurs.
Also, during the tour, Damilola Oluwajimi, a poultry instructor, revealed details about of breeding, feeding, and nurturing birds. He highlighted the lucrative potential of poultry farming, citing its diversity and adaptability as well as its profitability, which includes all sorts of birds like chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese.
However, Oluwajimi mentioned challenges that affect the industry like the fact that it is capital-intensive nature. Nevertheless, he reiterated the immense benefits, showcasing how the industry contributes not only to individual livelihoods but also to the nation’s development.
The educational excursion is the first step in LASUBEB’s agricultural revival plan. It is in line with the Tinubu-administration’s plan to renew the sector to improve food security as well as its contribution to the country’s economy.