The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, has openly criticized the poor implementation of agricultural education projects in schools, despite the availability of UBEC/SUBEB intervention grants.
Speaking during the 2024 Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP) Advocacy and Stakeholders Meeting held at St. James’ CAC Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure, on Tuesday, July 16, Olabimtan expressed deep dissatisfaction over what he termed “underperformance” by several benefiting schools.
Olabimtan, who did not mince words, warned that henceforth, all school heads—principals and headteachers—will be held responsible for any misuse or failure in executing agricultural projects tied to the grants. “We cannot continue to invest public funds without results. Every head of school will now be accountable for whatever happens under their watch,” he declared.
He advised schools to reassess their current agricultural projects and opt for ventures where they have a clear advantage. “There’s no point persisting in what’s not working,” he added.
In a move that could revamp the programme, the ODSUBEB Chairman announced a major breakthrough—UBEC has now increased the grant allocation to AETP from 2% to 5%, starting this year. This development, he said, will enable wider impact, especially as part of the fund will now support climate change sensitization efforts and tree-planting initiatives aimed at combating desertification.
Earlier, Mrs. Olanike Adams, the State Coordinator of UBEC, also emphasized the importance of proper execution of the intervention projects, stressing that this round of funding must not be wasted.
She urged stakeholders to take the programme seriously, describing it as a vital opportunity to instill agricultural interest and knowledge in pupils from an early age.
The one-day programme brought together Principals, Head Teachers, and Agricultural Desk Officers from all 18 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) across the state.
