Education is key to developing a prosperous and balanced society. In this regard, the Ondo State Government has taken an innovative step by instructing all secondary schools in the state to establish farms and promote entrepreneurship among students. This initiative, initiated by the Commissioner for Education, Honourable Laolu Akindolire, is aimed at addressing food scarcity and equipping students with essential skills for their future.
In a context marked by significant socio-economic challenges, the emphasis on acquiring practical skills in agriculture, food processing and entrepreneurship is of paramount importance. Indeed, these areas provide viable employment opportunities for the youth and help boost local economic development. The Multiskill Teenpreneurship Programme (MSTP) deserves special recognition for its commitment to empowering students and inspiring them to become active players in their communities.
Commissioner Akindolire aptly points out that the food crisis in Nigeria could be alleviated if all secondary schools opted for farms as part of their agricultural science curriculum. He called for stronger partnerships between government, NGOs and philanthropists to support such educational initiatives and foster entrepreneurial skills development among students.
Furthermore, agricultural expert, Dr. Olugbenga Ogidan, highlighted the importance of modern irrigation practices in optimizing agricultural yields. He lamented the underutilization of arable land which contributes to food scarcity despite abundant resources available. In this sense, the integration of smart irrigation technologies in farms is critical to address the challenges of climate change and increase yields.
The Director of the Multi-Skills Programme, Wale Akinyanmi, highlighted the critical role that the MSTP farm will play in promoting food security in Ondo State. Through the involvement of over 600 students from nine secondary schools and the training of instructors in the required skills, the MSTP programme aims to equip the young generation to face current and future challenges.
In conclusion, the establishment of farms within secondary schools to promote entrepreneurship and agriculture is an innovative and strategic approach to boosting the socio-economic development of Ondo State. This initiative, anchored in a vision of practical education and youth empowerment, opens new avenues for a generation that can meet the challenges of the 21st century and contribute to the prosperity of their community.