By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, has expanded its Agricultural Education Training Programme, AETP, to additional schools and commenced intensive monitoring of existing school farms under the programme in the state.
The Information Officer of Benue SUBEB, Emmanuella Akese, in statement weekend noted that the AETP, which was initiated under the UBEC-SUBEB intervention grants, seeks to equip pupils and students in Basic Schools with practical agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
She explained that it also provides schools with a sustainable source of income to support critical activities and projects for the benefit of learners.
Speaking at the Flag off of the 2022/2023 phase of the AETP, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, described the initiative as a groundbreaking step towards practical and transformative education in basic Schools.
She emphasized that “by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on agricultural experience, this initiative equips Learners with entrepreneurial skills and contributes significantly to food security in our beloved State, the Nation’s food basket.”
Dr. Adagba also pointed out that “the programme aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s vision to enhance food security in the State.
Speaking on the programme, the Desk Officer of AETP SUBEB, Donald Akume explained that the initial enterprises carried out in previous years focused on yam and cassava farming, covering 48 schools across the 23 Local Government Education Authorities, LGEAs.
“However, under the current administration, the programme has expanded to include new enterprises such as Piggery, Goat rearing, Rabbitry, Grass Cutter farming, and vegetable cultivation (including tomatoes, peppers, and ugwu).
“The 2022/2023 phase of the Programme now covers 60 schools across the State, with each school assigned a specific enterprise. SUBEB sets up the projects for the schools and hands them over to the respective Schools to manage. Regular monitoring is conducted to assess progress, ensuring the sustainability of the projects.”
Akume further explained that, “the ongoing assessment aims to evaluate the performance of existing projects and determine the readiness of beneficiary schools for the next phase.
“We periodically monitor the schools to see the progress they are making and provide support where necessary.
“To strengthen the Programme’s implementation, UBEC organizes workshops for agricultural teachers who manage the projects in their respective schools. These training sessions ensure the effective handling of the enterprises and enhance the knowledge of both Teachers and Learners.
“The proceeds from the School Farms are expected to support various school needs, including hiring PTA teachers, maintaining infrastructure, and acquiring essential supplies. The programme’s ultimate goal is to empower Pupils and Students with practical agricultural skills for self-sustainability while also fostering food security and generating income for schools.
“With the new phase of the AETP, Benue SUBEB remains committed to revolutionizing basic education in the State through innovative and practical initiatives.”
The highpoint of the monitoring exercise for the AETP was the display of farm products harvested by schools from the previous year.
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