The Executive Chairman Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has c noharged beneficiary schools of the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP) to adhere to implementation guidelines for the successful execution of the programme.
She made the call in Makurdi during the awareness campaign meeting for the implementation of the 2022-2023 UBEC-SUBEB action plan on 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.
The SUBEB boss stressed that the programme is designed to equip learners with entrepreneurial skills while also contributing to food security in the state.
She said the programme involves 30 schools across the three senatorial zones under the first to fourth quarters of the 2022 action plan. Beneficiary schools are expected to engage in activities such as cassava farming, rabbit, piggery, grasscutter and goat rearing as well as vegetables cultivation.
Dr. Adagba said proceeds from the school farms will be utilised 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 applauded the governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem 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.
She also thanked the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its continued support for basic education in Benue State.
Responding on behalf of UBEC, Mrs. Comfort Jamani highlighted the importance of agriculture in societal development, noting that the AETP offers learners the opportunity to become self-reliant and contribute to nation-building. She emphasised that the programme will enable Nigeria compete globally in achieving food security.
The Board Secretary SUBEB, Dr. Joseph Jande, urged all beneficiary schools to ensure judicious use of funds allocated for the programme to guarantee its sustainability.
The Director of Academic Services, SUBEB, Mrs. Esther Unande, expressed joy at the revival of school farms and expressed optimism that the programme will significantly improve the future prospects of children in Benue State.
Responding on behalf of heads of academic services of the Local Government Education Authorities, Kabiru Akuya appreciated the the SUBEB boss for the laudable initiative to revive school farms and pledged to ensure the sustenance of the programme.