Reported by: Ijeoma .G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of farmers through the Lagos Agricultural Scholars Programme (LASP), a strategic initiative designed to expose secondary school students to practical farming while promoting sustainable food systems.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, announced this during the commissioning of projects under LASP at Ansar-ur-Deen Grammar School, Surulere; CMS Grammar School, Bariga; Holy Child College, Ikoyi; and Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege. She described the programme as a modern evolution of the Ministry’s longstanding efforts to integrate school farms and agricultural education into Lagos’ secondary schools.
Highlighting a growing apathy among youth towards agriculture, Olusanya explained that many students now aspire to careers in football, entertainment, or technology. The LASP initiative, she said, seeks to reverse this trend by combining technology with food production, processing, and marketing. Students are exposed to aquaculture, horticulture, and poultry systems, with innovative methods such as using aquaculture waste to irrigate plants and converting organic waste into fertiliser, creating a sustainable circular model.
“The goal is for students to see, practice, and be part of these systems, inspiring them to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career,” the Commissioner stated. She also highlighted the ongoing “Produce for Lagos Programme,” tied to the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, which allows farmers and service providers to register online at www.produceforlagos.com. The platform categorises participants by value chain, scale, and specialisation to streamline resource allocation and support.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, described the programme as a bridge between theory and practical application, allowing students to perceive agriculture as a profitable business and a path to self-reliance. He stressed plans to scale the initiative to all secondary schools across Lagos, ensuring that agriculture becomes a permanent component of the education system.
School administrators, teachers, and students led officials on a tour of the school farms, demonstrating how LASP enhances practical agricultural skills. Management of the beneficiary schools commended the Lagos State Government for providing the facilities and training, noting the programme’s impact on student engagement and capacity building in agriculture.
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