The Executive Chairman of Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has charged Beneficiary Schools of the Agricultural Education Training Programme ( AETP)to adhere to the implementation Guidelines for the successful execution of the Programme in the State.
Dr Adagba gave the charge Monday at the SUBEB Headquarters in Makurdi at the Awareness Campaign Meeting for the implementation of the 2022-2023 UBEC-SUBEB Action Plan on the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP).
The SUBEB Boss 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.
The Programme, she explained, involves 30 schools across the State’s three Senatorial Zones under the 1st to 4th quarters of the 2022 action plan. Additionally, beneficiary schools are expected to engage in farming of cassava, rabbit rearing, piggery, grasscutter and goat rearing, as well as vegetable farming, among others.
She added that proceeds from these school farms will be used to support essential school activities, such as the engagement of PTA teachers, purchase of school bands, acquisition of essential school supplies, and maintenance of furniture among others. She also commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its continued support for Basic Education in Benue State.
Representative of UBEC, Mrs. Comfort Jamani emphasised the importance of agriculture in societal development, noting that the AETP provides learners the opportunity to become self-reliant and contribute to nation-building. She said the Programme will enable Nigeria to compete globally in achieving food security.
The Board Secretary SUBEB, Dr Joseph Jande, called on schools that are beneficiaries to judiciously use the funds set aside for the Programme for its sustainability.
The Director of Academic Services, SUBEB, Mrs. Esther Unande, who said she was grateful for the revival of school farms, which had gone extinct, disclosed that she was optimistic that the Programme would significantly improve the 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 Executive Chairman for reviving the school farms, stating that it was a laudable initiative and pledged to ensure that the Programme is sustained.
