…aims to contribute to state’s food security

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Executive Chairman 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.

She made the call in Makurdi at the Awareness Campaign Meeting for the implementation of the 2022-2023 UBEC-SUBEB Action Plan on the 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 is designed to equip learners with entrepreneurial skills, while also contributing to food security in the State.”

According to her, “the Programme involves 30 schools across the three Senatorial Zones under the 1st to 4th quarters of the 2022 action plan. Beneficiary schools are expected to engage in activities such as Cassava farming, Rabbit rearing, Piggery, Grasscutter and Goat rearing, as well as vegetables cultivation.”

She explained that proceeds from the school farms would 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 Governor 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.”

Dr. Adagba also expressed gratitude to the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, for its continued support for Basic Education in Benue State.

Speaking on behalf of UBEC, Mrs. Comfort Jamani noted the importance of agriculture in societal development emphasizing that “the AETP offers Learners the opportunity to become self-reliant and contribute to nation-building. The Programme will also enable Nigeria to compete globally in achieving food security.

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

The Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Esther Unande, expressed joy at the revival of school farms, which had previously become extinct. She expressed 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 SUBEB Executive Chairman for this laudable initiative to revive School farms and pledged to ensure its sustenance.