Benue SUBEB to partner SEDI on school farms revival, practical agric learning

In a move with significant implications for the future of agricultural education and agribusiness development, the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) is taking proactive steps to integrate practical farming techniques into basic schools. Dr. Grace Adagba, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, recently toured the Science Equipment Development Institute (SEDI) in Minna, Niger State. During the visit, she lauded the institute’s initiatives and expressed keen interest in forging a collaboration aimed at reviving school farms and bolstering practical agricultural learning.

The initiative, which also saw participation from key education stakeholders including representatives from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and SUBEB counterparts from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State, is designed to enhance science, technology, and agribusiness education in public schools. SEDI’s capacity to produce science and mathematics kits, specialized farm sprayers, and to conduct training programmes was highlighted as a pivotal resource for modernizing educational practices. The visit underscored a shared commitment to digitizing and standardizing basic education nationwide, ensuring that future generations are better equipped with hands-on agribusiness skills.
Source: Vanguard

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
This collaboration signals a transformative opportunity for the agri-food sector. Reviving school farms isn’t merely an educational reform—it is a strategic investment in cultivating the next generation of agricultural innovators and entrepreneurs. Here are some key insights and recommendations for stakeholders:

1. Building Future Agripreneurs:
   Integrating practical farming into the curriculum equips students with real-world agricultural skills. This initiative lays the foundation for a robust pipeline of future agripreneurs who can drive innovation in agri-food production, processing, and marketing.
2. Leveraging Agritech Solutions:
   SEDI’s provision of advanced farming tools and training programmes can be further enhanced by incorporating digital agritech solutions. Stakeholders should explore partnerships with agritech firms to integrate precision farming, data analytics, and IoT applications into school farms.
3. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships:
   The collaboration between education boards and SEDI offers a blueprint for similar partnerships across regions. Agribusiness stakeholders, including private sector investors and technology providers, are encouraged to support these initiatives through funding, expertise, and mentorship programmes.
4. Enhancing Visibility and Outreach:
   As noted by education officials, there is a pressing need to boost SEDI’s visibility. A coordinated marketing and outreach campaign can not only raise awareness about SEDI’s offerings but also attract broader support from agribusiness investors and industry leaders.
5. Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
   Integrating sustainability into the curriculum is essential. School farms should adopt environmentally friendly practices that can serve as models for sustainable agribusiness operations, ensuring long-term resilience in the agri-food value chain.

This initiative stands out as a promising convergence of education and agribusiness, offering a scalable model that could reshape how agricultural education is delivered and how young talents are nurtured for the agri-food sector.