.. Don harps on new curriculum to stir agricultural revolution in Nigeria.
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The Minister of Agriculture (state), Aliyu Sabi Abdulahi will visit Enugu state tomorrow, Tuesday, April 15, and as part of his working visit will be at Federal Cooperative College Oji River, in Oji River local government area.
The Provost of Federal Cooperative College Oji River, Dr. Jude Obidiegwu gave this hint during the 27th Matriculation anniversary of the institution, held on Friday, April 11, within the premises of the institution.
He said the minister will declare open a two-day workshop that will be hosted by the institution.
While appraising the efforts of the federal government and previous management of Federal Cooperative College Oji River for their efforts in uplifting the standard of learning in the college, Dr Obidiegwu expressed his desire that the visit of the minister of state for Agriculture to the college, will avail him the opportunity to note the various needs of the institution and make recommendations to the federal government.
Dr Obidiegwu expressed delight that the events that marked the 27th Matriculation of the institution were conducted peacefully,expressing gratitude to members of staff of the institution,the security agencies and the host communities for their peaceful disposition to the institution.
He promised to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessors.
The Public Relations Officer of the college, Mr Daku Daruwana, disclosed that about 300 students of the college were involved in the 27th Matriculation,both those who gained admission to go for National Diploma courses or those who enrolled for Higher National Diploma courses.
He mentioned some of the courses offered by the institution for members of the public to include Management at both National and Higher National Diploma level,Banking and Finance (OND, HND), Computer Science (OND,HND),while courses on Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing and Accountancy stops at Ordinary National Diploma at the moment.
He expressed optimism that the institution is highly on course to attain laudable heights in quality and standard.
Meanwhile, a university Don,Dr Ben Okoye who was the guest lecturer of the 27th Matriculation anniversary of Federal Cooperative College Oji River (FCOO), disclosed that the institution has unique opportunity to contribute to national growth by integrating courses that will prepare their products as future leaders in their curriculum.
Dr Okoye highlighted that a new curriculum in education aims at stirring agricultural revolution among the Federal Cooperative Colleges and other institutions so they can contribute meaningfully in curtailing the rate of food insecurity in Nigeria,create jobs and diversify the economy.
He stated, “The Federal Cooperative Colleges in Nigeria through a good curriculum can contribute in solving the much economic problems in Nigeria and wholistic development.
“The current courses offered by Federal Cooperative Colleges in Nigeria are fundamentally empowering the next generation”.
He mentioned the study of Agricultural science,Crop science,Soil science, Livestock establishment, Animal health management, etc,as courses that will be introduced in the new curriculum for Federal Cooperative Colleges in Nigeria.
“Integrating agricultural courses in the school curriculum will stimulate productivity,create jobs and halt food insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr Okoye also advocated for advance courses for the academic staff as a strategy of equipping them with cutting edge research.He also advocated for digital training of members of staff so they can imbibe innovative teaching models. He stressed the staffs should also be availed the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars to expose them to modern trends and technicalities in teaching .
On his part , His Royal Highness, Igwe Oliver Okefi, the traditional ruler of Oji Urban,the host community commended the management office Federal Cooperative College Oji River,in for their efforts in contributing to human resource development of the nation and called for more support from the federal government to the institution.
