The Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB) has commenced training for 30 trainees under the Federal Government’s IDEAS/TVET training scheme in Crop Production, a compulsory three-month internship programme designed to strengthen practical agricultural skills.
The trainees were formally welcomed in February during a brief ceremony coordinated by the Head of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Unit, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyeyemi Oni, who represented the Provost, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu.
The internship programme is organised in partnership with Jolap Business Venture Limited in collaboration with the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT). The government-driven IDEAS/TVET initiative, implemented alongside NIHORT, focuses primarily on cereal crop production.
According to the trainees, the programme began in November 2025 with three months of intensive classroom instruction covering key aspects of cereal production. They explained that the training structure consists of three months of theoretical learning followed by a compulsory three-month practical internship.
They added that their posting to FCAIB is aimed at giving them hands-on experience and expanding their knowledge beyond cereal crops to other agricultural enterprises.
During the internship, participants are expected to apply classroom knowledge to practical agricultural activities, including the cultivation and management of maize, rice, sorghum, millet and other cereal crops.
Addressing the trainees, Dr. Oni urged them to show dedication, discipline and genuine interest throughout the programme. She stressed that agriculture remains a critical driver of national development and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity.
She also advised them to report for all practical sessions with their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure safety during field activities.
Field work began on the second day of the programme at the College’s Organic Farm. The trainees were received by the Acting Head of the Department of Organic Agricultural Technology, Mr. J. A. Adedeji, who assigned a technologist in the department, Mr. Taiwo Afolabi, to supervise their practical training.
Mr. Afolabi provided hands-on instruction on land preparation techniques, including land clearing, soil watering, bed formation and the application of organic manure ahead of planting Corchorus olitorius (ewedu) and Amaranthus viridis (efo tete).
He informed the trainees that they would work on the crops for two weeks before moving to other crop enterprises for broader exposure.
The trainees, escorted by Engr. Odeyemi J. O. of NIHORT, expressed appreciation to the Provost and Management of the College for the opportunity, describing the experience as “enriching.” They commended the institution for providing a conducive environment that enhances practical agricultural skills and knowledge acquisition.
