Features
Agriculture: Catalyst For Africa’s Development
Mr Joseph Dekina, a 55-year-old farmer in Ujoh village in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi, has sustained his family of six with proceeds from his farm over the years.
These days, however, he can barely make ends meet as he is going through some harrowing times.
This is because his continued use of traditional farming implements cannot enable him to record appreciable yields and by extension, improve his earnings.
Dekina is like most farmers in African countries who eke a living via subsistence farming. To this group of farmers, mechanised farming is still a mirage.
However, the problem has been eliciting a lot of concern from various governments of African countries and they came together in Abuja from March 8 to 10, to examine the issues at stake.
The meeting was designated the High-Level Conference on the Development of Agri-Business and Agro-Industries in Africa (HLCD-3A).
The African leaders sought to redress the perceptible problems and accord agriculture its rightful place as a major contributor to economic growth on the continent.
Three African heads of state, ministers from 42 African countries, senior policy makers and representatives of financial institutions attended the summit.
The summit’s goal was also to share the countries’ experience in efforts to promote competitive agro-industries and thus foster international collaboration.
The Federal Government and UNIDO jointly sponsored the meeting, with support from other international agencies.
In 2008, the Global Agro-Industries Forum (GAIF) was held in India. It was then organised by the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
In spite of these efforts, current records of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) indicate that food importation by African nations costs about 33 billion U.S. dollars annually.
Furthermore, about three billion-dollar worth of food aid come into the continent annually.
Observers say that this development is a source of concern to many African economists and agriculturalists, particularly as Africa has been unable to attain food security in spite of her vast arable lands.
Mr Abdoulie Janneh, the Executive Secretary of UNECA, decried Africa’s huge reliance on food importation and noted that it was partly fuelled by urban demand for processed foods.
He also lamented that FAO statistics had shown that Africa was home to 265 million of the world’s 915 million under-nourished people.
Janneh stressed that efforts to develop agriculture for sustainable economic growth must necessarily go beyond the narrow confines of farming.
Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who was then Nigeria’s Acting President, also bemoaned the neglect of agriculture in Africa.
Commenting on the Nigerian experience, Jonathan said that although the country was blessed with abundant arable lands, favourable climate and other natural factors favourable to agriculture, the resources were not fully harnessed.
He blamed the development partly on poor private sector investment in the agriculture value chain, which encompassed agricultural production, processing, storage and marketing.
Sharing similar sentiments, Janneh stressed the need to adopt an integrated approach at all stages to improve productivity and efficiency.
For Jonathan, the Nigerian experience is illustrative of the degree of neglect of agriculture in Africa.
According to him, Nigeria’s land mass consists of 28.3 million hectares of arable land, 2.5 million hectares of forest and woodland with 7.3 million hectares and 853-km coastland for aquatic production.
“Nigeria’s large population of about 150 million also offers a unique investment opportunity and a ready market for agricultural products,’’ Jonathan said.
However, analysts opine that Nigeria has not fully tapped these huge potential to attain self-sufficiency in food production, as food importation is still taking its toll on the country’s foreign exchange.
Jonathan blamed the trend partly on the limited private sector investment in the agriculture value chain beyond production, to areas such as processing, storage and marketing.
He said that the agriculture sector had also suffered from weak productive and trade capacities, induced by the reduced supply and quality of agricultural commodities.
There are other factors, including high production costs and high interest rates, according to Jonathan.
Economists argue that some of the challenges include infrastructural deficiencies, such as poor road network, inadequate electricity supply and obsolete equipment, as well as inadequate extension service delivery.
They also claim that poor human capacity development, ailing institutional capacity, limited access and non-availability of agricultural inputs, coupled with the negative impact of smuggled and imported agricultural produce, are part of the problems.
Dr Kandeh Yumkelle, the Director-General of UNIDO, stressed that energy problems had hindered agricultural development in Africa.
His words: “Africa and indeed Nigeria cannot make any meaningful impact in agriculture and manufacturing without electricity.
“It is a shame that most of our cities cannot guarantee a 24-hour power supply. This impacts negatively on manufacturing and agriculture.’’
However, the agricultural situation in Africa is not totally gloomy, as some countries such as Egypt, Algeria and South Africa have some success stories to tell.
The Egyptian Minister of Agriculture, Mr Amin Abaza, said that his country had concentrated efforts on the development of ports, roads and energy as a means of developing its agricultural sector.
According to him, 99 per cent of Egyptian villages now have access to electricity.
“We have in the last 25 years made a lot of progress; we have tried to minimise losses in agriculture, while adding value to products through our industries,’’ Abaza said.
“I am a great believer in Africa; I think that this century will be Africa’s century. We have a lot of potential, plenty untapped resources,’’ he added.
The Minister of Agriculture for Botswana, Mr Christian De Graff, spoke on the implications of the projected increase in the world’s population vis-à-vis agricultural production.
He warned that the projected increase, by three billion, in the world’s population in 2050, would require a 70-per-cent increase in Africa’ food production.
On agricultural finance, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said that funding of agriculture in Nigeria, for instance, had been dismal and needed to be improved.
“The percentage of banks’ credit to the sector in Nigeria progressively declined from 17.5 per cent in 2007; many rural farmers have little or no access to financial services from institutions,” he said.
A major feature of the conference was the launch of the African Agri-business and Agro-industries Development Initiative (3ADI).
The initiative is a joint effort by UNIDO, FAO, IFAD, UNECA, the African Union (AU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
It is expected that the 3ADI will transform the agriculture sector in Africa into a highly productive and profitable value chain by 2020.
Chief Achike Udenwa, Nigeria’s former Minister of Commerce and Industry, said that the initiative represented African countries’ commitment to meeting the goal of improving national incomes, food security and the people’s well-being.
“It identifies agricultural innovations and prioritisation as imperatives for Africa to cope with its various developmental challenges.
“Africa needs to promote economic growth and integration at regional and global markets that will lead to sustained poverty reduction,’’ Udenwa said.
The summit’s participants unanimously agreed to initiate plans that would promote the establishment of appropriate financing mechanism to support the initiative’s implementation.
De Graff described the conference as “very fruitful’’ and stressed that financial institutions were needed to support the efforts of African countries to develop their agriculture sectors.
The participants also resolved to enhance strategies for development, planning and policy implementation through improved capacities and linkages of public agencies in charge of agriculture, agri-business and agro-industries.
Besides, they pledged to fast-track the implementation of regional trade agreements, while initiating additional measures to remove barriers to intra-regional trade.
They also promised to harmonise standards in the production, processing, storage and marketing of agro products.
Mr Youspha Kah, Gambia’s Minister for Economic, Planning and Industrial Development, however, urged African states and their development partners to work closely for a well-coordinated and articulated development of agri-businesses and agro-industries on the continent.
“I wish to call on our development partners and the private sector to provide the requisite financial resources to finance agri-business in Africa, in line with the goals of the 3ADI.
“Our partnership can only be meaningful and beneficial if such resources are provided,’’ Kah said.
Agricultural experts and economists have expressed the hope that the conference would transcend the level of mere deliberation to a level where pragmatic decisions and actions would be taken to address Africa’s agricultural problems.
They urge the private and public sector organisations, as well as financial institutions to collaborate in this direction so as to enable Africa to attain self-sufficiency in food production by 2020.
Yusuf writes for NAN.
Grace Yusuf
Features
NDDC @25: A New Economy Emerges With Solar Light Project
As the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, celebrates 25 years of its establishment, one innovative project stands out like a neon sign in the night. The groundbreaking Light Up the Niger Delta project, undertaken by the Commission, has opened several new frontiers for growth and development.
The solar-powered streetlights have transformed the way people live and work in communities across the Niger Delta region. The impact of this initiative can be felt in economic and social activities in the region.
This transformation signposts significant progress in people’s lives in the hitherto neglected region, radiating far beyond the streets.
The light up Niger Delta project is part of the NDDC’s measures to combat criminality, stimulate socio-economic activities, and promote peace in the region.
The campaign is particularly important, given the security concerns in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.?The positive impact of the “Light Up the Niger Delta” campaign is evident, as it has reduced criminal activity in various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the affected areas.?According to the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, “We decided to adopt the clean energy approach, which not only provides light but helps in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment. I can assure you that the incidence of crime has reduced in most of these communities.”?As climate change continues to impact communities worldwide, the need for innovative solutions to address the global challenge has become increasingly imperative. In the search for solutions, solar power is gaining traction as a potential silver bullet to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and save the environment.
Today, many organisations are investing in solar projects and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Solar power has inherent advantages, making it an attractive option for government and private sector organisations eager to reduce their carbon footprints.
In the past, issues around climate change used to sound distant and academic. Not anymore. It has become increasingly apparent to the human race that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our lifetime. The task, therefore, is to take measures to help curb the rising global temperature.
Experts say mitigating climate change entails “reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This involves cutting greenhouse gases from the main sources such as power plants, factories, cars, and farms. Forests, oceans, and soil also absorb and store these gases and are an important part of the solution.”
Nigeria is not immune to this global phenomenon, which is evident in rising temperatures, intense rainfall producing large runoffs and flooding, rising sea levels, drought and desertification, land degradation, and more frequent extreme weather events.
Many organisations, including the NDDC, are already contributing in different ways to tackle the global problem. According to the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku: “Our target is to ensure that every community in the Niger Delta region is powered by solar, which is a renewable and cheap form of energy. Additionally, we will establish industrial clusters powered by solar energy, which will enhance the agricultural value chain.
Ogbuku noted that Solar power had the dual benefit of providing needed projects for the people and building NDDC’s carbon credits, stating that the Commission expects to recover the carbon credits trapped in some of these projects.
Investing in solar energy is on point because it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objectives. Aligning these initiatives with the SDGs is crucial as they provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, including climate action.
Several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), directly relate to climate change and renewable energy. By investing in solar energy and carbon credits, the NDDC will contribute to achieving these goals.
There is ample evidence that solar energy, as a renewable and sustainable power source, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Hence, NDDC’s investments in solar energy projects will contribute to mitigating climate change and promote clean and affordable energy.
The Commission’s contributions can take various forms. They could be small-scale installations in local communities or large-scale solar farms. These projects will provide electricity to communities, reduce carbon emissions, and create job opportunities for our teaming youths.
Several communities are already reaping the benefits of NDDC’s bold initiative.
In Bayelsa, solar-powered streetlights have become a source of relief and safety for residents of Yenagoa, the state capital. This new development has also provided respite to communities in the eight local government areas.
Unlike in the past, solar street lights were abandoned and became a relic of past administrations. That is not the case for the NDDC solar streetlights.
In recent years, the popular Etegwe/Tombia roundabout, Mbiama/Yenagoa road, Sanni Abacha express road, Azikoro/Ekeki area, and others have been illuminated for visitors to the state capital.
A resident, Emeka Ojuogu, commended the NDDC for the solar-powered light, stating, “Before now, some politicians described the state as a ‘forest’ capital because it is always dark due to poor epileptic power supply. But now, there seems to be no street without powered street lights.”
The people of Ayama in the Gbarain Kingdom of Bayelsa State have expressed gratitude to the NDDC management for considering their community in the award and completion of solar-powered streetlight projects.
They expressed delight that their community had been lit-up with solar-powered streetlights by the NDDC, thereby making it to be among several other communities in the region that had benefited from the commission’s ‘Operation Light Up Niger Delta Project.’
Speaking separately when the people rolled out the drums to celebrate the successful completion of the solar street light project, the paramount ruler of Ayama-Gbarain, Kawari Apina-Owei, his deputy, Jeremiah Selesai, and the Community Development Committee chairman, Geseye Apina-Owei, praised the Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, and the management of the interventionist agency for the amenity.
Apina-Owei said, “Some relief came our way when the NDDC awarded the solar-powered street light to this community. This is the first time we have felt the impact of the leadership and management of the NDDC since its inception.
“We thank the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the Commission’s management for remembering our community, Ayama, in this solar-powered light project. Before now, we have been in total darkness, and so snakes and other dangerous reptiles were roaming at night.”
“Before the execution of this solar light project, we could not move freely at night because everywhere used to be dark once it was night. But now, we can move at any time of the night to our neighbouring Ogboloma and Okotiama communities.”
The community described Ogbuku as God-sent, who had brought happiness to their hearts as they could see clearly and move freely at night.
The residents testified: “Driving through Kaima, Odi and Opokuma was very refreshing. The lighting across the communities was spectacular and distinctive.
The street lights provided sufficient illumination to bolster our confidence as we drove at night. Students now use the street lights to read at night.”
Providing street lighting may not be all that is needed to develop the Niger Delta; however, it is an essential step in the right direction which must be applauded.
In Rivers State, many communities have witnessed a remarkable transformation. Neighbourhoods that used to be deserted after sundown now come alive at night, thanks to the NDDC solar-powered lights.
Francis Okoroafor, a shop owner in the Trans Amadi Industrial Area, recounts the new development: “Now I can walk home after work rather than hop into a cab. I am no longer scared of the dark route that Ordinance Road used to be. I have extended shop hours, exceeding my profit margin by more than 40 per cent.”
Michael Igoniwari, who owns a supermarket on Iwowari Street, echoes this sentiment, noting that the extended hours of illumination have redefined business dynamics. “Thanks to the solar street lights, people are out at night these days, and the streets are busier,” he affirms. The solar-powered radiance has not only dispelled the shadows but has also catalyzed economic growth, empowering local businesses and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The NDDC’s solar street lighting program responds to communities’ prevailing challenges with limited access to the main electrical grid. Existing government-installed streetlights are often dysfunctional due to system failures, power shortages, and the exorbitant cost of diesel for generators. Launched recently, the program aims to deploy tens of thousands of solar-powered street lights, transcending the boundaries of Port Harcourt to illuminate cities, towns, and villages across the Niger Delta.
The impact of the initiative extends beyond mere illumination; it addresses a fundamental issue plaguing more than 70 million people in the Niger Delta; the lack of dependable power supply. Solar-powered streetlights, with their low operational costs and straightforward installation, have emerged as a beacon of hope for communities grappling with power outages and unreliable electricity from the national grid.
The president of the Ijaw Youth Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri, emphasises the popularity of solar streetlights in areas that previously lacked any form of street lighting. He notes, “People are now going out after dark because they feel safer.” The lights enhance security and contribute to community and social cohesion.
Tammy Dagogo, who runs a barbing salon off Peter Odili Road, attests, “Now, even during outages, the solar lights keep the area lit.” This reliability fosters a newfound sense of security, enabling mothers like Belema Dappa to permit their children to play outside, even after dusk.
The Omerelu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area was jubilant following the inauguration of Solar-powered streetlights installed across the community’s villages by the NDDC.
In line with its project titled “Operation Light Up Niger Delta”, NDDC provided solar power to mitigate the once darkness-ridden Omopi-Omerelu community.
In appreciation, the Chairman of the Omerelu Council of Chiefs, Chief L. O. Didia, thanked the NDDC for bringing the project to the community.
The Rumuigbo community in the Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State was not left out in the jubilation.
The Rumuigbo Council of Chiefs and Elders chairman, Chief Kinikanwo Owhonda, expressed gratitude to the commission for always being there for the region’s people.
In Akwa Ibom State, the Niger Delta Youths Movement, NDYM, hailed the NDDC for initiating life-changing projects, such as the Light up Niger Delta initiative, which would provide jobs and boost the economic development of the region.
NDYM National President Prince Boboye Peretu hailed the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led management of NDDC for the initiative.
Reports from different states have it that this ‘Light up the Niger Delta’ programme has stimulated economic growth, empowered local businesses, and serves as a beacon of hope in the nation’s quest for sustainable development.
Ifeatu Agbu
Agbu wrote in from Port Harcourt.
Features
NDDC@25: Making a Difference Through Foreign Scholarship Scheme

Cynthia Ebi Farka cherishes her days as the face of Coventry. She attended Coventry University in the United Kingdom as one of the beneficiaries of the post-graduate scholarship scheme of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
For many months, Cynthia’s face welcomed prospective students at the Coventry train station as part of a “Guide to Campus ” project at Coventry University. She recalled with pride: “My face was used to showcase the good features of the university, and I did this as an NDDC scholar.”
Cynthia, who hails from Bayelsa State, studied oil and gas engineering and described her experience in UK as life-changing. She said out there, “everything is computerised, and if you don’t work hard, you will not get anything. There is this software called ‘turn-it-in’ which is used whenever an assignment or coursework is given to check plagiarism,” she said.
“With a background in petroleum engineering, I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in oil and gas engineering. I also had the opportunity to go on an excursion in Glasgow, Scotland. The flow measurement course exposed me to practical experiences outside the academic sphere. Altogether, I can say that I am well equipped for the future.”
Looking back, Cynthia said the Master’s degree programme in Coventry was challenging. “But you know, challenges come with their good part,” she added: “When I got to the United Kingdom, it took me some time to adjust to a new learning system. It’s different from what we are used to here in Nigeria. In a nutshell, I will say it was a wonderful experience.”
However, the NDDC scholar said she would be fulfilled when her studies translate to benefits for the people of the Niger Delta. For this to happen, she said she was looking forward to getting a platform to demonstrate her skills. “I need an opportunity to transfer my knowledge to others. Apart from oil and gas engineering, I also got involved in a media presentation project where I learnt presentation and communication skills,” Cynthia said.
Given her exposure to a more modern society, Cynthia wants to see a Niger Delta that is comparable in terms of development to the United Kingdom. She acknowledges that it may take a while and a lot of work.
Cynthia cautioned that blaming all our woes on the Government was unhelpful because, in her view, we all must play different roles. She explains: “You need to see Nigerians in the United Kingdom. They behave themselves; you don’t see someone eat and throw the waste on the roads, but they do that in Nigeria. So, is it the government doing that? Every individual has a part to play. You have the zebra crossing in the UK, and when there are people on it, cars stop, but here in Nigeria, they will run you over.
“I see a Nigeria that will be like the United Kingdom, where you pay for electricity and you get light in a system that works generally. I want the Niger Delta to be a peaceful environment where the youths can realise their potentials. Our boys and girls have prospects, but the environment limits them. I wish people who have a passion for certain things were encouraged. They should go for it and not give up.”
While thanking the NDDC for allowing her to improve herself, Cynthia advised the Commission to help the scholars surmount the initial funding challenges they face in a foreign land. According to her, the major obstacle is the late release of funds. ”I got to Coventry in September, and the money came in December. So, you have to be able to struggle and foot your bills at the initial stage. I wish the Commission could give the scholars something to support themselves before getting there.”
On the positive side, Cynthia commended the NDDC for keeping track of the performance and well-being of its scholars. She enthused: “I was glad that the Deputy Director from the directorate running the scholarship programme came to my graduation. That is good because they check on their students. Even before I got details of my result, it was already sent to NDDC, which is also good.”
Like Cynthia, Mr Ubong Peters, a Ph.D. student in Australia, was another worthy NDDC foreign post-graduate scholarship ambassador. He was celebrated for winning a three-minute thesis competition at his university.
Peters’s excellent performance was among the success stories the NDDC top officials shared at every opportunity.
A proud Chief Executive extolled some of the scholarship programme’s shining lights. He said that apart from Peters, “Mr Augustine Osarogiagbon, of Memorial University, is so brilliant he completed his Ph.D. in less than the stipulated time and has been offered a dual Ph.D. programme with two graduate assistants to work with him and a post-doctoral fellowship lined up.”
The NDDC boss also highlighted the exceptional contributions of Mr Charles Igwe, a Ph.D. scholar in Construction Engineering at Concordia University, Canada. He said that his unique design saved the Montreal Area Municipality over $1 billion, noting that he achieved the feat by redesigning the TURCOT interchange road construction project, costing $3.67 billion.
The NDDC education programmes were the kind of good stories that the NDDC officials loved to share. He said: “A total of 1,411 students have received scholarships since 2010, of which 1,066 were supported in M.Sc and 345 in Ph.D programmes. Five (5) of the M.Sc students graduated with distinction from Coventry University, England and one (1) from Aberdeen University.”
According to the NDDC “these positive results show the depth of talent within the Niger Delta and what can happen if we encourage the younger ones to stay focused on their education. We must also create an enabling environment for them to return to and be productive citizens.”
The NDDC Director for Education, Health and Social Services, EHSS, Dr George Uzonwanne, explained that the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme was meant to equip Niger Delta youths with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the local content programme of the Federal Government. He added: “It aims to empower the indigenes of the Niger Delta by building their capacity, especially in the oil and gas sector because this area is oil and gas driven. The objective is to equip our people to compete favourably with others in terms of employment in the oil industry and entrepreneurship in the region.”
He noted that emphasis was placed on science disciplines because of a noticeable deficiency in the oil industry, which made it challenging to employ young graduates from the region in that critical sector.
According to him, there was a a need to position young graduates from the region to compete globally in various professional fields, noting that before now, the oil and gas industry had discriminated against the fresh graduates they dismissed as not possessing requisite qualifications. “We also need to encourage our youths to show interest in engineering for the sake of our projects. We need qualified engineers who can manage our projects just as in agriculture, environmental science and other science-related courses,” the director said.
Dr Ozonwanne stressed that the foreign scholarship scheme was designed to expose the graduates to other developed environments outside the country. “We believe that the skills they acquire will add value to the development of the Niger Delta. So far, we have been proved right as those who benefited from the programme in the previous years have justified the need for the advanced training programme,” he said.
He expressed delight that the oil and gas sector has employed some of the NDDC scholars who had returned to the country, adding that some were employed abroad. “I am aware of three scholars who were employed in the UK after their Master’s programme. Moreover, A couple of them have gone into entrepreneurship,” he said.
The Director recalled the outstanding performance of one of the beneficiaries who studied in the United Kingdom. He said that Miss Francisca Chiedu, the star NDDC scholar of that year, was elected President of the United Kingdom University Student Union.
That feat, he said, demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. “Her success was indeed a victory for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerians to be the change they seek and champion worthy causes”.
Dr Uzonwanne said he was optimistic that the transparent process adopted in selecting beneficiaries of the foreign scholarship scheme would continue to produce first-class performers. “It will guarantee the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large the likes of Francisca Chiedu, the Information Engineering and Network Management student at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, who brought glory to NDDC, the region and nation.”
Miss Chiedu, a University of Benin Computer Science graduate, appreciated what the NDDC did for her. She wrote back to the Commission to say that “truly, life presents us with different opportunities. For me, every moment in our lives offered a door. All I had to do was choose. I chose to dream, I chose to think, I chose to move, I chose to act, and I chose to win.”
The EHSS director said that NDDC was considering broadening the scope of the scholarship to include Nigerian universities.The plans to broaden the scope of the scholarship programme would answer the prayers of some past beneficiaries who had been urging the NDDC to do more for the numerous graduates of the Niger Delta.
Mr. Lenin Francis, who benefited from the 2014 scholarship programme and earned a Master’s degree in petroleum engineering, suggested that NDDC should also extend the scholarship to other undergraduate students and increase the number of beneficiaries.
Francis, from Bayelsa State, agreed that the programme was a good capacity builder that would equip the youth to join in developing the Niger Delta. “I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme, which has helped many youths in the region,” he said.
He said that the foreign scholarship was a boost not just for the beneficiaries but for the entire Niger Delta because it would allow the youths to develop themselves and acquire technical expertise, which would benefit the people of the region.
According to him, the NDDC made the right decision to build the capacity of the youths, rather than focusing only on infrastructure. “After all, human resources are more important than physical infrastructure.”
He further said that the scholarship scheme needed to be expanded. “It is insufficient for the teeming youths of the region. Currently, the scholarship scheme is enjoyed by less than 15 per cent of qualified applicants, with some states getting only 10 slots. Surely, the NDDC can improve on this number,” he said.
Giving her perspective, Miss Amaka Uchendu, who studied at the University of Essex in the UK, said that youths often found it challenging to start their lives after their first degrees. She said, “With this scholarship programme, it will be easier for us to pursue opportunities we may not otherwise have been able to because of not having money.
So, the NDDC has helped us kick-start our lives, and we thank the commission for allowing us to move forward and improve our lives.”
By Ifeatu Agbu
Agbu sent this from Port Harcourt
Features
Vocational Education And Nigeria’s Economy
The importance of vocational training to the development of any nation cannot be over emphasised. Technical education experts define vocational education as any form of educational program or course that focuses on teaching the specific skills and knowledge required for a particular job or trade. Unlike traditional academic education, which is often broader and theoretical, vocational training is practical, hands-on, and tailored to prepare individuals for specific careers or industries. They also argue that the dearth of trained vocational and middle-level technical manpower represents a very serious gap in the development of third-world countries, including Nigeria. This argument, perhaps, underscores the Federal Government’s bold move towards educational reforms in Nigeria which includes the inculcation of vocational education into the schools curriculum as a way of equipping students with practical skills and enhancing their employability.
A recent statement released by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), indicated that the government has added 15 vocational subjects to the Basic Education curriculum. These additions which take effect from January, 2025, they said, are designed to promote hands-on learning and better prepare students for the job market. The new subjects include: Plumbing, tiling and floor works, POP installation, Event decoration and management, Bakery and Confectionery, Hairstyling, Makeup, Interior Design, GSM Repairs, Satellite/TV Antenna Installation. Others are: CCTV and intercom installation and maintenance, solar installation and maintenance, garment making, agriculture and processing, which covers crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming (e.g., poultry and rabbit rearing) and Basic Digital Literacy, incorporating IT and robotics.
The former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, who earlier hinted on the new curriculum for basic schools during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja, last October, said under the new curriculum, pupils in basic schools will be required to acquire at least two skills. According to the former minister, “The idea is that by the time children finish school, they should have at least two skills. Students should be able to finish school with a minimum of two skills so that they can have a very productive life. “The basis for the curriculum is the National Skills Framework, and it has been approved. It’s a very big project; it affects all schools in Nigeria, public and private.“Whether in the public sector or private sector, all schools are going to implement it. So, this is already determined. It doesn’t require anybody’s consent or any institution can depart from it.
Speaking on implementation, the Mamman said, “We do not expect comprehensive, full implementation from January because, when you roll out something new, there’s a lot of preparation that has to take place by the schools, acquiring new things, equipment, and small things that they will need,” adding that plans were underway to ensure teachers were well-equipped for the new curriculum. He also spoke on the benefits of the curriculum, noting that it would rekindle the desire of parents and students to acquire formal education. Hear him, “Some parents do not want to send their children to school. Right now, part of the problem why schooling has become unattractive is because people finish and there’s no change in their lives. “They cannot be employed. They can’t do anything on their own. So, parents question the value of spending money to send their children to school. “Now it’s going to change that game altogether.
And we have seen how these things resonate with parents. When they are successfully implemented, you will see students will want to run to school every morning. Parents want to take their children to school because they are learning practical things while in school.”The Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Dr Margret Lawani, had also disclosed during the same event that the newly introduced subjects fell under the vocational and entrepreneurship studies framework, which has been designed to expose pupils to various trades across multiple sectors. In the views of some vocational training experts, the decision to include vocational education into the basic school curriculum is plausible as it comes at a time when the nation’s education system is facing mounting criticism for its inability to adequately prepare students for real-world challenges.
They opined that by introducing vocational training at an early age, Nigeria has an opportunity to bridge the gap between formal education and practical skill acquisition. They however noted that the success of this initiative hinges on thoughtful implementation and sustained support. “The problem of Nigeria has never been a dearth of ideas or policies on how to move the country forward. In the past some educationists came up with the idea of 6-3-3-4 system of education whereby Students would be taught introductory technology and other forms of vocational skills at the junior secondary school level to better equip them for the real world in future. What happened to that brilliant idea? How many schools have well-equipped laboratories and well-trained teachers to handle these technical and vocational subjects? “The idea of setting up technical schools and polytechnics across the country is for them to serve as a grooming ground for young Nigerians in the area of technology.
How has the government, both federal and states, supported these schools to succeed? So, our problem is lack of implementation, fragmented policies and lack of sustenance not lack of ideas”, posited one expert. He advised that for the new curriculum to bear positive fruits, the government must take time to sensitize heads and owners of schools, teachers, parents and pupils of both public and private schools on the importance of the subjects and assist the schools in acquiring the necessary equipment and tools for the smooth running of the curriculum. “These subjects being introduced cannot be taught only theoretically as we are used to in this country. They require regular practical classes which will cost some money. Government, via the ministries of education, must vote out money for these practical classes and be ready to supervise schools to ensure that they are doing the right thing,” he added
Noting the importance of vocational training in today’s Nigeria where the rate of unemployment is high, Mr. Abel Ikiriko, a basic technology teacher in a Private School at Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, regretted that vocational training is often seen as a last resort for those who fail academically, leading to low enrolment. He said, “I say this because I am a teacher and I know what we see in school every day. When these vocational subjects are introduced, you will see parents who will go to their children’s schools to make trouble because the children are compelled to learn maybe Hairstyling or something like that. Every parent wants their children to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professions and never skilled persons because for our society, skilled jobs are for the dullards.” “One of the most pressing issues in our labor market is the skills gap. Employers often struggle to find workers with the right skills, despite high unemployment rates. Yet many youths are not willing to be trained in a vocation. They prefer to search for the unavailable white-collar jobs. So unfortunate,” he continued.
Ikiriko said that the inclusion of vocational training in primary schools has benefits that extend beyond future job prospects. “Hands-on activities help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that are essential in any field. Vocational subjects can also provide an alternative pathway for students who may not excel in traditional academic subjects, ensuring that no child is left behind in the education system. Moreover, these subjects can instill a sense of dignity in manual labor and shift societal perceptions about the value of skilled trades.”He advocated for public awareness campaigns so as to change perceptions about vocational education, and showcase its potential to lead to successful careers. Mrs. Meg Amadi, a mother of three pupils is concerned about the curriculum of the primary schools being overloaded, stressing that that is a potential risk.
According to her, primary school students are at a formative stage of their development, and overloading them with too many subjects could lead to cognitive fatigue. She maintained that careful planning is required to ensure that the new vocational subjects complement rather than compete with core academic learning; that they are seamlessly integrated into the broader curriculum without overwhelming students. To maximize the impact of this initiative, she offered the following suggestions: the government must invest in training and retraining teachers to deliver vocational subjects effectively, collaborating with vocational training institutes and NGOs for better result; government should begin with pilot programs in select schools to identify best practices and address challenges before scaling up nationwide; the private sector should be engaged to provide funding, equipment, and expertise for vocational training in schools.
Nonetheless, some analysts are of the view that the addition of 15 vocational subjects to the basic school curriculum is a visionary step toward transforming the nation’s education system and improving the nation’s economy. they hold that if implemented effectively, the initiative will equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world while fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance. They said that with collaborative effort, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders and the right execution, this bold move could serve as a model for other nations seeking to align education with the demands of the 21st century.
Calista Ezeaku
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