Integrating Agriculture into Primary Education Studies Program as a Compulsory Course for Academic Sustainability

Alaribe Mary Otitochukwu¹; Okafor Ndu Bibian²; Onipede Omoleye³; Amanze Peace Chimarauche⁴

^1&4Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
²Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
3Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract:
The declining interest in agriculture and environmental degradation in Nigeria, coupled with the need for sustainable academic development, necessitated this study. The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of integrating agriculture into primary education studies program as a compulsory course for academic sustainability. Vital issues discussed in this research include the importance of agriculture in primary education, the current state of agricultural education in Nigeria, and the potential benefits of making agriculture a compulsory course in primary education studies program. The researchers employed an analytical approach to discuss these issues in this research work. The findings indicated that integrating agriculture into primary education studies program would enhance students’ academic performance in agriculture, improve the attitudes of graduate teachers towards teaching of agriculture particularly at primary school level, and also enhance environmental awareness of students towards farming and food production. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that government, policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders should reintroduce agriculture as a compulsory course in primary education studies program in tertiary institutions, provide adequate resources and training for teachers, and promote agricultural education so as to ensure academic sustainability.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, making agriculture a compulsory course in primary education studies program in Nigeria can have numerous benefits, ranging from improved food security to cultural preservation. Integration of agriculture into primary education studies program will help to equip students (teacher trainees) with the knowledge and skills needed to: improve their academic performance in agriculture, produce their own food, teach agriculture effectively to pupils in primary school on graduation (if employed to teach), and as well promote environmental awareness and sustainability. These can have positive impacts on the country’s food security, environmental conservation, and economic development.

Keywords: Agriculture, Primary education, Compulsory course, Sustainability, Environmental awareness

Integrating-Agriculture-into-Primary-Education-Studies-Program-as-a-Compulsory-Course-for-Academic-Sustainability