The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is set to establish Institutes of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. The initiative aims to transform agribusiness into a modern and appealing career path for youth through practical training, specialized curriculum, cutting-edge technology, and entrepreneurial education in agribusiness and agronomic practices.
Prince Paul Ikonne, Executive Secretary of NALDA, announced that the first institute will open in September in Aba, Abia State. This campus will feature a 600-capacity student sports complex, administrative blocks, libraries, laboratories, a clinic, hostels, classrooms, and various agricultural facilities including fish ponds, poultry pens, snail houses, fish hatcheries, and crop fields.
Ikonne emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda and aims to address the aging population of farmers by introducing young people to agribusiness early. The institutes will also serve as platforms for professional research. Following Aba, campuses in Ogun and Katsina states are nearing completion and will begin academic sessions in the near future.
Ikonne highlighted NALDA’s achievements over the past four years, noting the reclamation of NALDA lands, partnerships with states, and youth empowerment efforts as significant milestones.
