By Rasheeda Hamidu
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to practical, technology-driven agricultural education by rewarding 12 secondary schools with greenhouse facilities to strengthen food security, entrepreneurship and youth participation in modern farming.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, announced the initiative on Wednesday during the 2026 Lagos Agric Scholars Programme and Open Field Vegetable Production Competition in Lagos.
According to Fashola, about 25 public and private secondary schools from the state’s six educational districts participated in the competition.
He said the programme was designed to promote innovation while encouraging students to embrace agriculture and food systems development.
Fashola said, “Agriculture has evolved far beyond subsistence farming; today, it is driven by science, technology, climate-smart practices, mechanisation, precision farming, digital innovation and value addition.”
He explained that the greenhouse facilities would enable beneficiary schools to practise protected cultivation, improve crop yields, reduce pest and disease outbreaks and produce high-quality vegetables throughout the year.
According to Fashola, the greenhouse structures are strategic investments intended to strengthen agricultural education and prepare students for future opportunities in agribusiness.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, said the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s vision for education, food security and youth empowerment through modern farming techniques.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Fatai Audu, said the state had expanded access to improved agricultural technologies to enhance practical learning and youth-driven agribusiness development under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Home Science Association Secondary School emerged overall winner, followed by Abule Eko Community Senior Grammar School and Kith and Kin International College, according to officials at the event.
NatureNews notes that integrating climate-smart agriculture into school curricula equips young people with practical skills needed to improve food production, strengthen resilience to climate change and promote sustainable agriculture.
NatureNews reports that sustained investment in agricultural education and climate-smart technologies remains essential to building a new generation of farmers capable of enhancing Nigeria’s food security.