The Federal Government has unveiled 39 reviewed and newly developed agricultural curricula and 31 National Occupational Standards, alongside a new training model that allocates 80 per cent of instruction to practical learning, to boost food security, agricultural productivity and youth employment.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the reforms on Monday at the launch held at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Digital Resource Centre, Abuja, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development and industry-ready graduates.
According to Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser (Media and Communications) to the Minister in a Statement on Monday, 19th October, 2026, stated that the reform comprises 32 reviewed and seven newly developed agricultural programmes designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, equip learners with relevant skills and position agriculture as a driver of economic growth.
Alausa said the initiative, which began in 2025, was developed through collaboration among the Federal Ministries of Education, Agriculture and Food Security, and Livestock Development, alongside regulatory agencies, educational institutions, curriculum experts and industry stakeholders.
He explained that the 31 National Occupational Standards cover National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and corresponding agricultural programmes under the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), developed in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education.
Under the new 80:20 practical-to-theoretical training model, students will spend more time acquiring hands-on experience through teaching farms, greenhouses, processing facilities and agricultural technology hubs.
The curricula also incorporate emerging fields such as precision agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, artificial insemination and agribusiness to equip graduates with the skills needed to respond to evolving industry demands and establish sustainable enterprises.
The minister said the success of the reform would be measured by graduates’ practical competence, improved agricultural output, increased employment and measurable contributions to national food security.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with relevant ministries, regulators, educational institutions and industry partners to ensure effective implementation of the new curricula and occupational standards.
Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the initiative as a major step towards practical, industry-driven agricultural education.
Maiha highlighted the importance of livestock to food and nutrition security, employment, industrial growth and export earnings, noting that Nigeria’s potential remained constrained by inadequate sector organisation and a shortage of practical expertise.
Citing the Middle East red meat market, valued at approximately $3.2 billion, he said Nigeria needed to strengthen its livestock sector to compete more effectively in the international market.
He urged educational institutions to establish functional farms, adopt digital and climate-smart agricultural practices, and expand access to skills, technology, finance and markets.
The minister also called for practical training facilities to become a central requirement for institutional accreditation.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the unveiling as a significant milestone in repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), improving teacher preparation and aligning education with labour-market demands.
She said competency-based instruction and clearly defined occupational standards would improve training quality and prepare graduates for productive employment.
Ahmad urged regulatory agencies, educational institutions and industry partners to support implementation through the provision of qualified instructors, adequate equipment, functional workshops and continuous professional development.
She also advocated stronger industry partnerships to facilitate apprenticeships, industrial attachments and workplace learning, while ensuring equitable opportunities for women, persons with disabilities and young people from underserved communities.
The Federal Government said the reform was aimed at producing a skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial workforce capable of driving agribusiness development, creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s food security.
