In July 2021, I gained admission into the University of Uyo, Uyo to study Agricultural Education. I had grand dreams for the course, I hoped it will propel me to a fulfilling career as an agriculturist and an educator who teaches agriculture to eager learners in ordinary and secondary schools (elementary schools, middle schools and high schools). I was full of hope eager to learn and explore agriculture- man's oldest settled occupation.
Soon reality dawned on me, I realised that the university is inadequately ill equipped to teach agriculture. The curriculum is old and outdated, the teachers not well motivated and the facilities not sufficient. According to the minimum standards for higher education(universities) set by the National Universities Commission, an agency of the Nigerian government,a cattle ranch, 1000 goats, 1000 sheep, 100 hectares of farmland, processing facilities including an oil palm mill, stalls and silos art all necessary facilities and infrastructure needed to effectively teach the programme in university. However, the University lacks those basic facilities. The course work consists merely of theoretical and outdated concepts with no bearing on modern agricultural practices.
Then the lecturers went on an eight months strike over a disagreement with the government over pay and working conditions (the university is owned by the government).
But through all these challenges, something spectacular came over me, a moment of insight- that adversity and a hostile educational system can teach me valuable skills, resilience, perseverance and patience. All these are qualities crucial for any farmer educator to possess.
And least I forget, I had the opportunity to teach two classes of children in primary school (elementary school) and junior secondary school (middle school) agricultural science. The experience was so enriching, I absolutely loved and enjoyed it.
So dear readers, tell me, how is agricultural education over there in your country?
The picture below shows my course mates who are studying agricultural education too.
M
