The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) has taken practical knowledge of agriculture and related skills to basic schools across the state.

The board on Tuesday took pupils on an excursion to the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Mando, under the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP).

The visit was organised in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The pupils were guided through the poultry, hatchery, rabbitry, fishery and dairy sections of the institution during the hands-on learning excursion.

They were also toured around the piggery and tractor sections, where experts lectured them on modern farming techniques, animal husbandry practices and the effective use of agricultural equipment.

The activity is an intervention by UBEC to State Universal Basic Education Boards to equip basic school children with agricultural knowledge and practical skills.

Team Lead of the excursion, Ibrahim Sani, said that the excursion was designed to expose pupils to real-life agricultural practices beyond classroom teaching.

Mr Sani, an assistant director of the ibrary at KADSUBEB, said, “The aim is to make children self-reliant by enabling them to acquire practical skills in fishery, poultry and farming, among others, even after completing their formal education.”

Mr Sani disclosed that six local government areas were selected for the programme, with Igabi, Birnin Gwari and Chikun participating on the first day.

He added that pupils from Kaduna South, Kaduna North and Kajuru local government areas would take part in the excursion on the second day.

‘’Only three to four pupils were selected from each school to ensure effective learning and interaction during the tour,” he said.

The team lead urged the pupils to replicate the knowledge gained when they returned to their schools and homes and to share their experiences with classmates to broaden the impact.

One of the pupils, Abdullahi Hassan from LEA Ali Gado Primary School, Birnin Gwari LGA, said the fishery unit inspired him to learn how to raise and manage fish properly for food and income.

‘’I now understand the importance of proper feeding, water management and monitoring fish growth and hope to start a small fish pond in the future,” Hassan said.

Another pupil, Jedida Yohana from LGEA Mahuta School, said the poultry section was exciting, adding that she learnt how to care for birds and manage egg production effectively.

She said, “The visit exposed me to modern poultry techniques and hygiene practices; I will share the knowledge with her classmates and family members.”

(NAN)