v Ready to review its curriculum of 1990
By Martin Nwoko
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Kaduna on Monday 30th November 2020 kicked started its 5 day curriculum review workshop for the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in soil science technology at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology Oforolla Owerri West (FECOLART) in Imo State.
In his welcome address, the Provost of the Institution Dr. Oluyemi Akande thanked the National Board for Technical Education for giving FECOLART the opportunity among other colleges of agriculture in Nigeria to host the curriculum review workshop on Higher National Diploma (HND) soil science technology.
He expressed optimism that at the end of the workshop, a blue print possibly on how to eradicate hunger within the next generation in Nigeria, will be produced.
Speaking further, the Provost reiterated that the purpose of the 5 day workshop is to provide the much needed information about the discipline of soil science and as well acquaint the participants with the abundant career opportunities for the youths, women and prospective graduates. “It will as well introduce new emerging trends in soil science in order to incorporate the new dynamic changes and challenges facing agriculture in the world”, he stated.
The Provost also used the occasion to call on the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to consider and approve National Diploma program in soil science so as to give prospective students the much needed background knowledge in the course.
In conclusion, the Provost of FECOLART Dr. Oluyemi Akande revealed that soil science is becoming very important in the entire world going by such threats posed by food insecurity and adverse environmental challenges.
The 5 day workshop was flagged off by the Traditional Ruler of Olukwu Autonomous Community, Oforola HRH Eze Apollo Ekeocha, who in his address stated that the curriculum review workshop for Higher National Diploma in soil science Technology provides his community and indeed Imo State the unique opportunity to host eminent agricultural scientists and stakeholders drawn from all over the country, especially lecturers in soil science in the various state and federal government owned universities.
The traditional ruler also pointed out that the major challenges facing the whole of South East region of the country are soil erosion, degradation and reclamation stressing that he believes the workshop will profer some solutions to the issues.
In his contribution, the Executive Secretary National Board for Technical Education,Dr. Ekpeyong Ekpeyong who was represented by Dr. Rufai Ibrahim stated that the aim of the present administration in NBTE is to improve productivity and self sustenance in every aspect of the national economy using agriculture as its turning point.
He expressed optimism that the board will profer the necessary solutions in the the review of the Higher National Diploma Curriculum in Soil Science Technology,adding that the curriculum was developed in 1990 and was yet to be reviewed in the face of rising trends and global modifications in the world of farming and agricultural practices.
Dr. Ibrahim promised that the review of the curriculum will provide the needed manpower that will transfer new innovations and technology in agriculture from research to the field.
The workshop attracted participants from the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) Kaduna and all institutions offering soil science such as College of Agriculture Akure, Bill Aminu Polytechnic Jigawa State, Bel Nigeria College of Agriculture Ibadan and many others. The workshop continues on Tuesday December 1, 2020.
