The Presidency has called for the reintroduction of agriculture in Nigerian schools, emphasising that it should be viewed as a culture rather than just a subject.
This initiative is part of a broader national effort to enhance food security and promote economic stability nationwide.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made an appeal on Saturday at the General Assembly of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Abuja.
He was represented at the event by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwukah.
Shettima emphasised that agriculture should be reintroduced into schools not only as an academic discipline but also as a mindset that instils in young Nigerians the value of food production, land use, and agribusiness.
He suggested that every school should have functional farms and agriculture clubs to instil the concept that “farming is business, not punishment.”
“Agriculture must return to our schools. We must reintroduce agriculture as culture, not just curriculum,” he said.
“Our children must grow up knowing that food is wealth, land is power, and farming is a viable career.”
He also warned that treating farming as a last resort has cost the country in terms of food security, jobs, and national stability.
At the same event, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa acknowledged the security threats faced by farmers and assured them of the government’s commitment to improving safety in farming communities.
He urged farmers to report security challenges, noting that protecting agricultural producers is essential for national food production.
In his opening address, AFAN President Dr Farouk Mudi highlighted the growing impact of climate change, rising input costs, and insecurity on farming.
He stated that delayed rainfall, flooding, and soaring fertiliser prices were damaging productivity and threatening livelihoods.
He also raised concerns about the livestock sector, describing it as a “crisis beyond the narrative.”
Mudi added that Nigeria’s livestock population is significant, yet the country spends billions on dairy imports due to persistent conflict and poor livestock management.
“We have lost over 10,000 lives and ₦500 billion in property to farmer–herder clashes in the last decade,” he said. “Security is the first input of agriculture.”
Mudi called for stronger policies, investments, and a shift towards modern ranching to protect farmers and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on food imports.
Source: Leadership News
Image Credit: The Guardian News
