The Federal Government has commenced a comprehensive review of agricultural curricula in polytechnics and colleges of education to address widening skills gaps and revive youth interest in agriculture.

The Chairman of the Agriculture Curriculum Review Implementation Committee, Prof.

Bugaje, who is also the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), said many agricultural programmes had remained unchanged for more than 15 years.

He said the outdated curricula had become unattractive to young Nigerians and misaligned with industry needs.

According to him, the review will cover all 33 National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) agricultural curricula, alongside more than 32 National Occupational Standards.

Bugaje said past funding for curriculum review was grossly inadequate.

He noted that about N50 million was previously allocated annually to review over 320 curricula and more than 100 occupational standards nationwide.

“The work before this committee is critical because agriculture remains the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.

“It employs a large number of Nigerians and contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Unfortunately, admissions into agricultural programmes have been declining because the curricula are no longer attractive or responsive to current realities,” he said.

Bugaje added that the review would prioritise practical, industry-driven training rather than purely academic content.

He said private sector participation would be strengthened to ensure graduates acquire relevant skills aligned with modern agriculture and global best practices.

The NBTE boss said four thematic groups covering crops and agronomy, livestock, fisheries, and forestry would develop implementation timelines.

He added that the groups would also recommend industry resource persons for the exercise.

Bugaje noted that undergraduate agricultural programmes under the National Universities Commission (NUC) would not be reviewed immediately.

He said this was in line with the commission’s five-year curriculum review cycle.

He added that the exercise would instead focus on programmes supervised by NBTE and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Bugaje commended the Ministers of Education, the Minister of State for Agriculture, and the Minister of Livestock Development for their collaboration.

He said their efforts facilitated the establishment of the committee.

The Executive Secretary of NCCE, Dr. Angela Ajala, said Nigeria must urgently shift agricultural education from theory to hands-on practice.

Ajala said this was necessary to address manpower shortages in extension services and specialised farm operations.

She said the decline in trained agricultural extension officers and technical experts underscored the need for a forward-looking curriculum.

“If Nigeria must secure its agricultural future, training must move from classroom theory to practical competence,” she said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Dabban, said the council was committed to producing industry-ready graduates.

Dabban, represented by Dr. Oluwafemi Salako, Director of the Plant Resources Department, said the council would provide technical support for the exercise.

He said ARCN supervised 19 national agricultural research institutes and 17 federal colleges of agriculture.

He added that the council would strengthen research, training, and extension linkages.

An international expert representing the Sector Skills Council for Agriculture, Pascal Durand-Carrier, said ongoing skills-gap surveys would support the review.

Durand-Carrier said the surveys were being conducted in collaboration with international partners.

He said the effort would help align training with labour market demands and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.

Participants at the workshop expressed optimism that the review would produce modern, market-driven curricula.

They said the outcome would attract young Nigerians to agriculture and enhance national food security. 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a slight adjustment to the arrival time for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, particularly those scheduled for the first session.

In a notice issued via its official X handle on Monday, the board stated that candidates for the first session are now expected to arrive at their examination centres by 7:00 a.

JAMB added that the examination will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.

“Attention 2026 UTME Candidates: This is to notify you of a slight adjustment to the arrival scheduled time, particularly for the first session, which is now 7:00am as against the earlier published 6:30am, while the scheduled start time for the session is now 8:30 am and end time 10:30 am,” the notice read.

The board also clarified that candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips following the adjustment.

The full daily timetable, as shared by JAMB, includes four sessions running from Monday to Friday, with adjusted timings across all batches to ensure smoother operations at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

This adjustment comes in response to long-standing feedback from candidates and parents regarding the challenges of very early morning travel, including safety concerns on roads before dawn and logistical difficulties for those coming from distant locations.

The UTME is scheduled to be held from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the commencement of applications for the second cohort of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme.

The ministry said the programme is part of efforts to boost skills acquisition and tackle unemployment among Nigerian youth.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade on Monday, the ministry said the applications will open on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 4 pm.

It further invited interested Nigerians to participate in the nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening technical capacity, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing job creation.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the programme as a key strategy for human capital development.

She said the initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.

Alausa said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, adding that it reflects the administration’s commitment to expanding access to skills-based education and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

He also said the Federal Government is investing in the productive capacity of young people through practical training and recognised certification, creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.

“In strengthening this programme, the Federal Government is investing in the productive capacity of our youth. By providing practical training and recognised certification, we are creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth,” the Minister said.

The statement noted that as part of efforts to expand opportunities in emerging sectors, the Ministry is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to strengthen training in creative and cultural industries, with a view to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s creative economy.

According to the statement the TVET Programme will provide intensive six-month and one-year hands-on training in accredited centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He added that participants will receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 and a nationally recognised certificate upon successful completion.

Boriowo added the training areas include construction, ICT, automotive technology, creative media, agriculture, fashion and garment production, cosmetology, tourism and hospitality, catering services, and leather works.

The Ministry further stated that applicants are required to demonstrate commitment to the programme and must be available for full participation throughout the training period, adding that attendance will be monitored using biometric verification systems, with stipends tied to compliance.