THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN PROMOTING NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

Nigeria is presently facing serious security challenges and instability that threaten our corporate existence as people of one destiny. These security challenges include: Boko haram insurgency in the North east and North west, kidnappings, armed banditry, tribal and religious clashes. These security issues are being caused by high rate of poverty, unemployment, political instability and corruption. This paper therefore examines the important roles agricultural education can play in ensuring our national security. Vocational agriculture is a skill acquisition training programme for youth aimed at making them self-employed and self-reliance in agricultural production for empowerment. In addition, we must abide by democratic principles and rule of law in our political life. The roles of agricultural education in ensuring national security are in the areas of reduction in rural-urban migration, youth unemployment and growth in industry. In conclusion government needs to take pro-active security measures to protect lives and property of the citizens for the safety of the nation.