For many students pursuing a degree in agriculture, the transition from theory to practice is an important moment. It’s one thing to learn about soil science, crop rotation, and sustainability in a classroom, but stepping onto a farm brings those lessons to life in profound ways.
This was the case for Oyetade Eunice, an agriculture student from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria, who recently completed an internship at FarmHelp Agribusiness. Specialising in crop cultivation, the agribusiness gave her a firsthand experience in modern farming practices.
In this article, we explore how this internship not only broadened her understanding of agriculture but also ignited a deeper passion for the field.
An unexpected path into agriculture
Like many Nigerian youths, Eunice didn’t initially plan on pursuing a career in agriculture. Her goal was to study Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), but her admission led her to Crop Production and Soil Science (CPS) instead. This unexpected shift left her unhappy. “I didn’t have any knowledge about agriculture… we didn’t even do agriculture in secondary school,” she shared.
Despite her family’s background in farming —her father, grandfather, and grandmother all owned farms— Eunice had no interest in pursuing it as a career. She had planned to switch her major to Nursing or Animal Production and Health (APH) after her second semester. However, she could not meet the requirements and had to abandon the idea.
A life-changing internship
After struggling to secure an internship placement, a friend recommended FarmHelp Agribusiness. Initially, she had low expectations, assuming her role would be limited to raising and selling seedlings. “I just thought we would raise and sell seedlings and leave,” she said.
However, as the internship progressed, Eunice’s mindset began to shift. “By the fourth or fifth week, I started to develop a keen interest,” she noted. The hands-on experience of working in the greenhouse and model farmland, nurturing crops, and learning about agricultural processes opened her eyes to the intricacies and rewards of crop cultivation.
Her daily responsibilities were divided between the hub and the agro store. Each day started with tasks such as watering seedlings and ensuring cleanliness. The team also replanted seeds in darkrooms to aid sprouting, particularly for crops like tomatoes.
“In school, I had begun to imagine myself working with crops,” Eunice said, “but this experience brought everything to life.” She learned how to nurture crops, apply nutrients like Agrovat and Agri-Four for root formation, and monitor plant health. The internship gave her a real taste of decision-making and practical application in crop management.
In addition to her hands-on work with crops, Eunice also gained customer service experience in FarmHelp’s agro-store. Initially unfamiliar with agrochemicals, she gradually learned from her colleagues, observing how they recommended solutions to customers. Issues like pest control and crop diseases became clearer, and Eunice started understanding the importance of active ingredients in agrochemicals.
“I would attentively listen and learn from what they were saying,” Eunice recalled, explaining how the internship helped broaden her knowledge about effective crop management and pest control methods.
Agriculture is more accessible than it seems
Before her internship, Eunice had a negative view of agriculture, especially CPS. However, her time at FarmHelp showed her how accessible agriculture can be, especially with the right resources and determination. A key moment was attending a farmer’s field day, where seasoned farmers emphasised that land wasn’t a major obstacle in agriculture. They stressed that success in farming is driven by passion and commitment.
This experience, along with training on onion production organised by HORTI Nigeria, reshaped Eunice’s perspective. She realised that, unlike tech, which can be difficult to break into, agriculture was far more approachable and full of opportunities for growth. “When you’re determined and passionate about something, there’s nothing you can’t achieve,” Eunice remarks, reflecting on her internship journey.
Learning the role of agrochemicals
One key aspect of Eunice’s training at FarmHelp was the proper use of agrochemicals for crop management. “Agrochemicals are essential for healthy crop growth and pest control,” Eunice explained. She learned that these chemicals, if used correctly, promote healthy plant growth by preventing diseases and controlling pests.
However, the use of agrochemicals requires precision. She highlighted some of the critical precautions that she learned during her internship. Proper storage of these chemicals, maintaining correct dosages, and applying them at the right time were all crucial. “You can’t just spray whenever you feel like it. Timing is important. We had to monitor the plants carefully to decide when to use insecticides or fungicides,” she explained.
This experience allowed her to put into practice much of the theoretical knowledge she had acquired in class. The hands-on nature of her work made everything she had learned about crop management feel more concrete.
Taking on responsibility
One of the defining moments of Eunice’s internship came when she was given more responsibility. Although her supervisor typically provided guidance on when to plant based on clients’ orders, Eunice was tasked with preparing the cocopeat mix and managing the seed trays —a responsibility that helped her grow in confidence.
“It felt empowering to be in charge of the planting process,” she said, reflecting on how fulfilling she found her work.
While the critical decisions were still made by her boss, Eunice was given enough autonomy to make judgement calls on her own, which enhanced her decision-making skills. “I was trusted to handle certain processes independently. It felt empowering to be in charge of the planting process, knowing that my decisions had an impact on the success of the crops,” she said.
Agriculture’s role in Nigeria’s economy
Eunice’s internship didn’t just expand her technical skills; it also shifted her perspective on the importance of agriculture in Nigeria’s economy. Before her internship, she viewed agriculture through the lens of academic study, focusing on what she learned in class, but her time at FarmHelp showed her how agribusiness contributes to job creation and food security in a tangible way.
“Agriculture isn’t just about growing crops. It’s a source of income for many people, and it’s critical for feeding the nation,” Eunice observed. Her newfound understanding of the role of agriculture deepened her commitment to the field, and she now sees it as a vital tool for creating sustainable development in Nigeria.
New aspirations and advice for aspiring agriculturists
Before starting her internship, Eunice had envisioned a future in animal production, even entertaining the idea of becoming a veterinarian. However, her experiences at FarmHelp Agribusiness have reshaped her career aspirations. Now, her goal is to excel as an agronomist, focusing on agribusiness and crop management.
“I’ve always been interested in animal production, but now I see how much I can do with crops. Agribusiness is profitable and filled with opportunities. I want to focus on modern agriculture and even advocate for others to explore this field,” she said when asked about her future.
Eunice added that she hopes to advance in agribusiness, particularly in the areas of crop management and market strategies. She is also interested in educating others about the importance of modern agricultural practices.
For students unsure about a future in agriculture, Eunice offers clear advice: “Explore agriculture with an open mind. There are so many opportunities and rewarding experiences in this field.” Her internship at FarmHelp Agribusiness opened her eyes to the diversity of the agricultural sector and the innovation happening within it. “You can make an impact in ways you might not expect,” she emphasised.
As Eunice prepares to return to school, she carries with her a wealth of knowledge and skills that will shape her future. “I’ve gained a lot of hands-on experience, and I’m excited to apply that to my studies and future projects,” she revealed.
