Northern Pulse: SUBEB takes Kaduna pupils on agricultural skills tour

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), has taken pupils from basic schools across Kaduna on an excursion to deepen their practical knowledge of agriculture and related skills.

The visit, organised in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), held at the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Mando, was under the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the pupils were guided through the poultry, hatchery, rabbitry, fishery and dairy sections of the institution during the hands-on learning excursion.

They were also toured around the piggery and tractor sections, where experts lectured them on modern farming techniques, animal husbandry practices and the effective use of agricultural equipment.

NAN reports that the activity is an intervention by the UBEC to State Universal Basic Education Boards to equip basic school children with agricultural knowledge and practical skills.

Team Lead of the Excursion, Ibrahim Sani, Assistant Director Library at KADSUBEB, said the excursion was designed to expose pupils to real-life agricultural practices beyond classroom teaching.

He explained that the aim was to make children self-reliant by enabling them to acquire practical skills in fishery, poultry and farming, among others even after completing their formal education.

Sani disclosed that six local government areas were selected for the programme, with Igabi, Birnin Gwari and Chikun participating on the first day.

He added that pupils from Kaduna South, Kaduna North and Kajuru local government areas would take part in the excursion on the following day.

According to him, only three to four pupils were selected from each school to ensure effective learning and interaction during the tour.

He urged the pupils to replicate the knowledge gained when they return to their schools and homes, and to share their experiences with classmates to broaden the impact.

One of the pupil, Abdullahi Hassan from Ali Gado Primary School, Birnin Gwari, said the fishery unit inspired him to learn how to raise and manage fish properly for food and income.

He said he now understands the importance of proper feeding, water management and monitoring fish growth, adding that he hopes to start a small fish pond in the future.

Similarly, Jedida Yohana from LGEA Mahuta School said the poultry section was exciting, adding that she had learned how to care for birds and manage egg production effectively.

She said that the visit exposed her to modern poultry techniques and hygiene practices, saying she would share the knowledge with her classmates and family members.(NAN)