Ondo State Government Instructs Schools to Establish Farms, Promote Entrepreneurship

The Ondo State Government has directed all secondary schools to establish farms and promote entrepreneurship as part of their curriculum. This initiative, announced by Education Commissioner Hon. Laolu Akindolire, aims to address food scarcity while equipping students with practical skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Akindolire stressed the importance of hands-on training in agriculture, food processing, and entrepreneurship to help combat unemployment and foster socio-economic development. He praised the Multiskill Teenpreneurship Program (MSTP) for its efforts to empower students, noting that such programs can help make students self-reliant and contributors to their communities.

According to Akindolire, Nigeria’s food crisis could be significantly reduced if all secondary schools integrate farming into their agricultural science curriculum. He called for more collaboration between the government, NGOs, and philanthropists to support educational initiatives that enhance students’ entrepreneurial potential.

Dr. Olugbenga Ogidan, an associate professor at Elizade University, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of modern irrigation techniques in farming. He pointed out the underutilization of arable land as a major factor contributing to food scarcity, despite Nigeria’s abundant resources.

Wale Akinyanmi, CEO of the Multi-Skills Program, emphasized the crucial role the MSTP Farm will play in promoting food security in the state. He noted that the program has reached over 600 students across nine secondary schools and aims to provide instructors with the necessary skills to enhance agricultural education.

Akinyanmi also stressed the need for schools to adopt smart irrigation systems, which can help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve crop yields.