A university Lecturer, Professor Remigius Oyebode Famiwole has called on government at all levels on the need to make Agricultural science compulsory for all students in junior classes and all science students in all public and private secondary schools in Nigeria.
This according to the scholar would combat the teething challenge currently facing practical Agriculture which is described as pre-vocational and vocational subjects in the educational system.
The Varsity lecturer gave the submission yesterday when he delivered the 85th inaugural lecture at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti.
The Don during the lecture titled, ’Dynamics of Agricultural Science And Agricultural Education Pedagogies: The Missing Link Leverage’, stated that most of the agricultural practices in the country especially in the rural areas are done by old farmers.
“The old farmers are now getting older and dying off. There have never been enough youths in Agriculture who are willing or skilled to go into production agriculture or agric- a partnership to replace those who are leaving the world of agriculture”
Famiwole categorically declared that only trained and professional teachers of Agriculture should be allowed by the government to teach the subject in all secondary schools.
The inaugural lecturer stated:
“Activities of teachers and students on the school farm should be evaluated periodically by the school authorities and other relevant government agencies.
“The PTA, philanthropists and successful agro-based businessmen should fund school farm development through donations of farm resources or funds.
“The Board of Vocational and Technical Education in each state of the federation should in collaboration with other agencies of government be responsible for evaluating all the pre-vocational and vocational subjects in secondary schools in Nigeria”.
The EKSU Vice chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun appreciated the lecturer for the impactful thesis with a charge on the people to embrace Agriculture.
Olanipekun said, “It’s high time we all embrace Agriculture, I have a garden at home where we harvest from time to time, by the time I retire a few days time, I will be a full-time farmer. I appreciate the lecturer, he has paid the price, it’s left for others to do the needful on impactful lectures, you cannot force anybody, it’s a matter of interest to come and showcase to the audience what you have contributed to scholarship.
“I am challenging my colleagues, to come and showcase to the whole world your contribution to scholarship and let’s translate our research findings to a practical thing that will impact the society.
“ There is a lot of wrath in the system. In EKSU, I was able to combat the people giving us bad names. I handle them very well, it’s one of the legacies I was able to leave behind. I used to say I would not cover anybody who goes against the extant rules of the university.
“ I received a letter from the First Lady about a Professor over an allegation of rape and sexual assault, we have set up a panel for investigation, we have initiated the process, we are going to write the First Lady that we have set up a committee for proper investigation,” Olanipekun said.
