By Gabriel Dike
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said the Federal Government, in the second quarter of 2025, will invest N1 billion in selected polytechnics and universities, who are already into agriculture to help tackle food insecurity in the country through farming.
The money would help the selected institutions improve on agriculture outputs as Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, prepares to have an edge as one of the beneficiaries.
Dr. Alausa made the disclosure during his visit to the 77-year-old institution’s Epe campus for inspection with the officials of the Federal Ministry of Education.
“The purpose of this visit is to raise further awareness on our six-point agenda and encourage polytechnics and universities with agricultural departments to establish mechanized farms and engage in livestock farming.
“Given the country’s growing food insecurity, these initiatives will provide agriculture students with hands-on training and help them develop key skills needed for life after graduation and will also support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal to enhance food security and expand food production,” he stated.
Alausa, who was received by the Chairman, Governing Council of YABATECH, Prof. Funso Afolabi, and the Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, emphasised the vital role of education in boosting national economic growth and development.
He acknowledged agriculture as a key sector that institutions must integrate into their academic and research frameworks to address food security, create jobs, and stimulate the economy.
Alausa further stated: “Nigeria is blessed with vast arable land and natural resources. However, we need to harness the innovative capabilities of our tertiary institutions to revolutionize agriculture.
“This sector, he admitted, has the potential to be the cornerstone of our economy, and the involvement of our colleges and universities is critical to achieving this goal.”
Alausa called on tertiary institutions in Nigeria to prioritize agriculture as the next wave of prosperity for the nation.
The minister commended the college for its strides in promoting vocational and technical education. He urged YABATECH to take the lead in developing innovative solutions that would empower students and researchers to make significant contributions to the agricultural sector.
Chairman, YABATECH Governing Council, Prof. Afolabi, expressed appreciation for the minister’s visit, describing it as timely and encouraging.
He assured the minister of the institution’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s vision for a diversified economy through education.
Dr. Abdul also reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to aligning its academic programmes with the national agenda.
He highlighted some of the ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting agricultural innovation, including partnerships with industry players and the establishment of a demonstration farm for practical learning.