Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has introduced 39 revised and new agricultural curricula and 31 National Occupational Standards, with a proposed training model that dedicates 80 per cent of learning to practical work to boost food security and youth employment.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, unveiled the reforms at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja, saying they would align agricultural education with industry needs and equip graduates with relevant skills.
The package comprises 32 revised curricula and seven new programmes covering National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) agricultural courses.
According to Alausa, the initiative began in 2025 through collaboration among the Federal Ministries of Education, Agriculture and Food Security, and Livestock Development, alongside regulatory agencies, educational institutions, curriculum specialists and industry stakeholders.
Under the proposed 80:20 practical-to-theoretical model, students will receive more hands-on training through teaching farms, greenhouses, processing facilities and agricultural technology hubs.
The updated programmes also cover emerging fields, including precision agriculture, climate-smart farming, artificial insemination and agribusiness. These areas are expected to help learners adopt modern technologies, increase production and establish sustainable agricultural enterprises.
Alausa said the success of the reforms would depend on effective implementation and the ability of institutions to produce skilled graduates, improve agricultural productivity and create jobs. He pledged continued collaboration with regulators, relevant ministries, schools and private-sector partners to deliver measurable results.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards practical, industry-driven agricultural education.
Maiha highlighted the livestock sector’s contribution to food and nutrition security, employment, industrial growth and exports. He cited the Middle East red meat market, valued at approximately $3.2 billion, as an opportunity for Nigeria to expand its international trade.
However, he said the country’s competitiveness remained limited by poor sector organisation and a shortage of practical expertise.
He urged institutions to establish functional farms, adopt digital and climate-smart practices, and improve access to technology, finance, markets and skills development. He also called for practical training facilities to receive greater consideration during institutional accreditation.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the reforms as a milestone in repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), strengthening teacher preparation and aligning education with labour-market demands.
Ahmad emphasised competency-based instruction, qualified instructors, adequate equipment and functional workshops. She called for stronger industry partnerships to expand apprenticeships, industrial attachments and workplace learning.
She also urged stakeholders to ensure that women, persons with disabilities and young people from underserved communities had equal access to agricultural training.
The reforms come as Nigeria faces persistent food security concerns, youth unemployment and pressure to improve agricultural output through modern technology and skills.
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Korede Abdullah 
Hope Ajayi 
Oluwatobi Adu