Northern Pulse

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Nigeria Polytechnics Foundation (NIPOF), in partnership with Luqknight Ltd, has commenced a three-day intensive hydroponic farming training programme in Minna, Niger State, aimed at equipping students with modern agricultural skills and promoting youth agripreneurship.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Secretary of NIPOF, Dr. Zakari Abdullahi, following the flag-off of the programme at the Fatima Lami Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies (FLAILAS), Minna.

According to the statement, the training is designed to provide participants with hands-on competencies in hydroponic farming and strengthen industry-academia collaboration for practical, innovation-driven skills development.

The initiative is a product of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIPOF and Luqknight Ltd focused on connecting students of tertiary institutions with industrial partners to enhance employability, entrepreneurship and applied research.

Speaking at the event, the Chaiman of NIPOF, Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Abdullahi, described the programme as a major step towards advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through industry linkage, innovation and practical skills acquisition.

Abdullahi, represented by Dr Babangida Albaba, said NIPOF remained committed to bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by promoting skills development that responds to contemporary economic and technological realities.

He noted that practical exposure to emerging agricultural technologies such as hydroponics would help prepare young Nigerians for productive careers while contributing to national development.

The NIPOF chairman added that the Foundation would continue to champion initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development across tertiary institutions.

Also speaking, the Secretary of NIPOF, Dr. Zakari Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding similar programmes across allied institutions to deepen innovation and strengthen workforce readiness among students.

Earlier in an opening remarks, the Niger State Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, commended the initiative and described hydroponic farming as a timely innovation capable of addressing food insecurity and other challenges confronting the agricultural sector.

Ahmed said hydroponics offers viable solutions to land constraints and climate-related agricultural challenges, stressing that technology-driven approaches are critical to the future of food production.

He urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the training and position themselves as future agripreneurs capable of driving economic growth and improving food security.

Stakeholders at the event underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry players and educational institutions to promote green innovation and sustainable development.

The Director-General of the Niger State Agency for Green Initiatives (NG-SAGI), Dr. Habila Daniel Galadima, highlighted the importance of climate-smart agriculture in advancing environmental sustainability and building resilience in the sector.

Similarly, the Provost of FLAILAS, Dr. Amina Usman, expressed appreciation to NIPOF and Luqknight Ltd for selecting the institution as a beneficiary of the pilot programme.

She said the training would expose students to innovative agricultural practices and provide valuable skills that could enhance self-reliance and employment opportunities.

The programme marks a significant milestone in strengthening industry-academia partnerships for skills development, innovation and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

NIPOF reiterated its commitment to promoting practical training initiatives that support sustainable economic growth and prepare young people to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.