The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s ongoing disregard and lack of involvement have drawn intense criticism from the National Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), the premier organisation for more than two million agricultural students enrolled in Nigeria’s higher institutions.

The students expressed their regrets in a statement signed by the National President of NAAS. Hon. Bashar Abdulazeez, 

The group lamented the lack of financing for research, internships, assistance for hands-on training, and meaningful engagement of agricultural students in national agricultural policy and initiatives.

Hon. Abdulazeez states, “Without proactive investment in the education and empowerment of agricultural students, the country risks losing a generation of skilled professionals ready and willing to contribute to national development.”

“By constitutional arrangement, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture is expected to serve as the Grand Patron of NAAS, symbolising mentorship and collaboration.” 

The student also revealed that it was excluded from meaningful discussions and the ministry’s developmental planning procedures.

As a result, the president requested that the agricultural minister acknowledge NAAS as an important industry stakeholder.

Source: AgroNigeria

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