NISS commences soil science carrier sensitisation for Schools
WORRIED by inadequate awareness on importance of soil in schools and absence of curricular emphasising its teaching, the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science ( NISS) has commenced Soil Science Carrier Sensitisation for students in selected tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools in Southwest and other geo- political zones in the country. The project, which is in its first phase, entails selection of three schools per state, from areas that are good in agricultural activities, especially crop farming, with the aim of catching the students young.
The sensitisation activity, including career counseling will be followed by well structured quiz competitions at various levels, such as school and state levels, will be concluded at the national level. The programme will also involve encouraging the schools to establish soil science clubs to further mobilise the students towards sustainable use of soil in farming practices.
At the Southwest level, the NISS has carried out the sensitisation activities in some of the selected schools in the zone, to enlighten the students on the importance of soil, types of soil and what soil science is all about, various aspects of specialisation in the course of study with pictures of soil activities by scientists in the field & laboratories.
The Coordinator of the NISS in the zone, Prof. James Alabi Adediran, who led the team of Registered Soil Scientists in the zone, noted that job opportunities are available in the soil science as a course of study.
He noted that across the world, especially in Nigeria, there is inadequate number of trained soil scientists to engage the teeming farmers on soil conservation and good management practices for increased quality food production, therefore, the need for awareness of soil information and knowledge by farmers and the general populace arises.
Prof. Adediran revealed that in Oyo State, the schools visited include – Ibadan Grammar School, Molete; Christian Secondary School, Omi Adio and Kudeti Primary School, Ibadan. For Osun State – Seat of Wisdom Community Secondary School, Ikoyi; Agbaje Secondary School, Iwo and Ansarudeen Primary School, Ejigbo.
Ogun State – Mamu Community Comprehensive High School, Mamu; NawarUd- Deen Secondary School, Obantoko; and FUNAAB International School, Alabata. Ekiti State – Obalatan Commercial Grammar School, Oye Ekiti; Christ Boys School, Ado Ekiti and African Church Comprehensive High School, Ikere Ekiti.