Oyo State Government Launches Innovative Hydroponic Farming Initiative in Schools

In a strategic move to revitalize farming in public schools, the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, has successfully trained 58 pre-vocational studies teachers in soilless and hydroponic farming techniques as part of a skill acquisition program.

The training took place during a one-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop held at Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan. The Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, emphasized the importance of this training in equipping teachers to instill entrepreneurial skills in agriculture among their students, fostering the next generation of agropreneurs.

Prof. Adelabu noted that the trained teachers will subsequently train other Agricultural Science teachers across the state’s 33 local government areas. He stated, “The essence of this training is to bring us back to the farm. We are resuscitating school farming, and our goal is to engage students from a young age. This time, we are introducing hydroponic farming in all our secondary schools.”

He explained the concept of hydroponic farming, which involves cultivating plants without soil, and highlighted its advantages, such as regulated water conservation, controlled temperature, and effective pest and weed management. “This approach often leads to increased yields. We are bringing together selected teachers from across Oyo State to train them and encourage a return to farming in our secondary schools,” he added.

The commissioner also expressed the initiative’s ultimate goal: “We want all our students to become agropreneurs, developing entrepreneurial skills in agriculture. Many of them can eventually become millionaires. They will not graduate and simply seek jobs; they can create opportunities for others. Starting small—with as little as #5,000 to #20,000—these students can practice hydroponic farming even while still in school.”

Mrs. Olabode Abosede, the Director of Basic Education in the Ministry, underscored the importance of introducing students to the practical aspects of agricultural science. She remarked, “The revival of school farming, particularly with the introduction of soilless farming, is a modern approach that can benefit schools with limited farmland.”

Mrs. Abosede praised the teachers for their dedication to the training and assured that the ministry would establish a monitoring team for periodic visits and project evaluations in schools.

This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing agricultural education in Oyo State, providing students with valuable skills that align with contemporary farming practices.