Nigeria reforms agricultural education

The Nigerian government has launched a major reform in agricultural education, focusing on practical skills over theory. The new approach aims to better prepare students for real-world jobs and meet the needs of the labor market, with 80% of training being hands-on and only 20% theoretical.

Curriculum updates and standards

The reform includes 39 revised or newly developed curricula and 31 national occupational standards (NOS). These standards are designed to ensure students gain industry-relevant skills, which are crucial for improving food security and aligning education with the demands of the agricultural sector.

Collaboration and funding

The National Certificate in Education (NCE) component of the reform was developed with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The initiative is supported by nearly ₦1 billion in funding, as stated by the NBTE Executive Secretary, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje.

Focus on youth employment

The reform is part of a larger effort to make agriculture a key driver of youth employment in Nigeria. The country faces a significant skills gap, with many graduates lacking the skills employers need. According to the African Development Bank, Nigeria is projected to account for 62% of unemployment in Africa by 2026.

Support for agribusiness

To address these challenges, the federal government introduced the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund in June 2026. This program aims to support 500,000 youth-led agricultural businesses and train six million people over three years. It also plans to help young entrepreneurs access land, financing, equipment, and markets.

Agricultural bank recapitalization

In April 2026, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the recapitalization of the Agricultural Bank with 1.5 trillion naira. The move includes providing 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 pieces of agricultural equipment to support modernization efforts. This aligns with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy, which targets at least 12 million jobs through agricultural modernization.