An alumnus of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Mr AyoOluwa Okediji has advised the federal government to without wasting more time review curriculum of agricultural-based institutions across the country.
Okediji who is the founder of AgroInfoTech Africa Group noted that this is necessary in order to ensure that these institutions meet up with the present challenges.
Okediji made these declarations while delivering alumni lecture at the 61st founder’s day of the institution at the weekend.
The event was attended by the Provost of the college, Dr Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, National President of the alumni association, Mr Olufemi Lumpkin and principal officers of the institution.
He explained that it is imperative that curriculum of agricultural-based institutions be continually updated so as to align with the current realities.
Okediji while delivering the lecture titled “Our legacy: Bridging past and future with Youth mentoring towards innovation and self reliance” said that it is imperative that the college curriculum be continually updatedto ensure that it align with industry-based realities.
He also charge the alumni, industry players, and institutional leaders to always support their alma mater.
He added that every student must graduate not just with knowledge but with the mindset to build, innovate, and create value.
“In summary, it is all about a call to action, a call to service. We need to ensure that the curriculum is up to date with recent development, innovation and things that are going on within the agricultural sector.
“It is also a call to action to the college themselves to make sure that each of those graduate that has come out of this place are not job seekers but are job creators. They are really supposed to be job creators and not job seekers. And that is the highlight of my presentation today. It is imperative that the college curriculum be continually updated, ensuring it is aligned with industry-based realities.
“Preparing students with practical, hands-on competencies and technical know-how relevant to today’s labour market. Empowering graduates to think like entrepreneurs, problem- solvers, and value creators.
“To rise to this challenge, we must be deliberate. As alumni, industry players, and institutional leaders, we must promote and institutionalize the following pillars within this College:
“From precision farming and drone technology to blockchain traceability and smart livestock systems, our students must gain hands-on exposure to the digital tools shaping agriculture’s future.
“Every student must graduate not just with knowledge but with the mindset to build, innovate, and create value. This includes business modelling, financial literacy, and problem solving on a large scale.
“Training must move beyond primary production. Our students should understand the entire agri-food value chain-production, processing, logistics, branding, compliance, and export-while embracing climate-smart and sustainable practices”:
