Benue SUBEB revives school farms with Agricultural Education Training Programme

The Executive Chairman of Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has charged beneficiary schools of the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP) to adhere to implementation guidelines for the successful execution of the programme in the state.

The SUBEB boss made this call in Makurdi, during the awareness campaign meeting for the implementation of the 2022-2023 UBEC-SUBEB Action Plan on the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP).

Dr. Adagba described the AETP as a practical and transformative initiative aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on agricultural experience in Basic Education Schools.

She emphasized that the programme was designed to equip learners with entrepreneurial skills, while also contributing to food security in the state.

She said the programme involved 30 schools across the state’s Senatorial Zones under the 1st to 4th quarters of the 2022 action plan adding that beneficiary schools are expected to engage in activities such as Cassava farming, Rabbit rearing, Piggery, Grasscutter and Goat rearing, as well as vegetables cultivation.

According to Dr. Adagba, proceeds from these school farms will be utilized to support essential school activities, including the engagement of PTA teachers, purchase of school bands, acquisition of essential school supplies, and maintenance of furniture among others.

She commended the state, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, for his unwavering commitment to advancing education in the state as evident in the prompt payment of salaries to teachers, payment of salary arrears, implementation of promotions, approval and release of funds for matching grants, recruitment of teachers among others while expressing gratitude to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its continued support for basic education in the state.

Speaking on behalf of UBEC, Mrs Comfort Jamani highlighted the importance of agriculture in societal development, noting that the AETP offers learners the opportunity to become self-reliant and contribute to nation-building.

She emphasized that the Programme would enable Nigeria to compete globally in achieving food security.

The Board Secretary, Dr Joseph Jande, urged all beneficiary schools to ensure the judicious use of funds allocated for the programme to guarantee its sustainability.

The Director of Academic Services, SUBEB, Mrs. Esther Unande, expressed joy at the revival of school farms, which had previously become extinct expressing optimism that the Programme would significantly improve the future prospects of children in Benue State.

Responding on behalf of Heads of Academic Services of the Local Government Education Authorities, Comrade Kabiru Akuya appreciated the Executive Chairman for this laudable initiative to revive School farms. He pledged to ensure the sustenance of the Programme.

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