NSPRI holds maiden postharvest loss reduction summer class for Lagos students

The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), recently the maiden edition of its postharvest loss reduction summer class tagged: “Catch Them Young Initiative” in Lagos, where 50 students were trained in food preservation, processing and agribusiness.

The programme, which between 4th to 21st August, 2025, empowered 50 students with various skills in food preservation, processing and agribusiness and was structured into three batches with each batch exposing participants to hands-on training in postharvest management and value addition to agricultural produce.

Executive Director, NSPRI, Professor Lateef Sanni, congratulated the students for embracing the opportunity, stressing the importance of early exposure to innovation and enterprise while encouraging them to share their experiences with their peers, assuring them that future editions would be more engaging and rewarding. “What you have learned here will not only help you in secondary school but also in the university and beyond.” He said

Speaking at the event, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Shuaeeb N. Oyewole, described the programme as exceptional, stating that the skills gained by the students would not only improve food security but also position them as future agripreneurs, job creators, and employers of labour in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

As evidence of what they have learnt some of the students came forward to demonstrate how some of these products like; pineapple rings, pawpaw flakes, fish snacks and others were made, explaining the processes they had learned and reflecting on how the programme had positively impacted their lives.”This programme has taught me how to turn farm produce into snacks we can sell,” one participant said.

Delivering a keynote address, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abimbola Olusanya, commended NSPRI for equipping young Nigerians with life-changing skills that address one of the country’s most pressing challenges noting that Nigeria currently loses between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of its agricultural produce postharvest, largely due to poor storage and logistics “The snacks, juices, and food innovations you have learned to produce are not just for fun,” she told the students. “They are solutions to a national problem,  helping Nigeria save food, save money, and save lives.” she said.

The students were presented with a certificate of participation while special awards and cash prizes were given to the most outstanding participants in each batch as well as the overall best student.

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Also present to show support and share words of encouragement to participants at the event was a representative of the Ministry of Education District IV, Mr. Akinde Temitope Samuel; the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Ibadan Zonal coordinator NSPRI, Dr. Aremu Mariam, and food coach and MD, Franlet Kitchen, Frank Ojeye. Guest speaker Mr. Frank Ojeye.

Oyewole, in his address during the closing ceremony urged parents to provide facilities for their wards to continue practicing what they have learnt, adding that all the students have learnt from the programme if properly utilised could become a source of sustainable livelihood for them.