The Ondo State Government has instructed all secondary schools in the state to establish school gardens and promote entrepreneurship. Education Commissioner, Hon Laolu Akindolire, stated that this initiative will address food scarcity and equip students with essential skills.
Akindolire emphasized the importance of practical skills in areas like agriculture, food processing, and entrepreneurship to combat unemployment and promote socio-economic development. He commended the Multiskill Teenpreneurship Program (MSTP) for its focus on empowering students to become self-reliant and contribute to their communities.is to
The Commissioner suggested that Nigeria’s food crisis could be alleviated if all secondary schools established farms as part of their agricultural science curriculum. He called for increased collaboration between the government, NGOs, and philanthropists to support educational initiatives and enhance students’ entrepreneurial potential.
Dr. Olugbenga Ogidan, an associate professor at Elizade University, highlighted the importance of irrigation practices in modern farming. He lamented the underutilization of arable land, leading to food scarcity despite abundant resources.
Wale Akinyanmi, CEO of the Multi-Skills Program, stated that the MSTP Farm will play a crucial role in promoting food security in the state. He noted that the program has reached over 600 students across nine secondary schools and aims to equip instructors with necessary skills.
Akinyanmi emphasized the need for farms to adopt smart irrigation systems to mitigate the effects of climate change and increase yields.”
