In a move aimed at promoting food security and agricultural practices in Oyo State, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Oluyole State Constituency sponsored a motion on May 21, 2024, urging the government and education stakeholders to revive school gardens in public and private schools. The motion, which was passed by the House, directed the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, TESCOM, and SUBEB to issue circulars to schools mandating them to resuscitate school gardens and incorporate agricultural practices into their curricula.
About a month after the motion, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology responded by directing all public and private schools in Oyo State to revive school gardens and set aside a day each week for agricultural practicals. The circular, dated June 24, 2024, was addressed to principals, heads of primary schools, and proprietors of private schools, and urged them to comply with the resolutions passed by the House.
Hon. Akintayo, who represents the Oluyole state constituency, applauded the Ministry’s swift response and expressed his optimism about the initiative’s potential to address food insecurity and promote agriculture among students. He emphasized the importance of partnering with research institutes to achieve better results and encouraged every family to embrace farming or gardening to provide for their immediate needs.
The lawmaker also commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde for his efforts in the education and agriculture sectors and appreciated the support of the Speaker, of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, House Leader, co-sponsors, and colleagues in passing the motion.
With this development, Oyo State is poised to lead the way in promoting agricultural practices in schools, and Hon. Waheed Akintayo’s initiative is expected to inspire other states to follow suit.
