Reps pass bill to make agricultural science compulsory in all secondary schools for second reading

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to make Agricultural Science a core and compulsory subject in all public and private secondary schools across Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled A Bill for an Act to Make Agricultural Science a Core and Compulsory Subject in all Public and Private Secondary Schools in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 2222), was sponsored by Alex Egbona, who represents Yakurr/Abi Federal Constituency of Cross River State.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill during plenary on Tuesday, Egbona said the proposal aligns with the economic recovery and food security goals under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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He argued that introducing Agricultural Science as a compulsory subject would address food insecurity, and reduce the rising rate of youth unemployment.

“President Tinubu has said agriculture is sexy—though I don’t know what is sexy. But believes agriculture is the way to go,” Egbona said.

Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House referred the bill to the House Committee on Education for further legislative work.