The Save Our Education Initiative (SOEI) is distinct from many organizations that simply follow the status quo. True progress and transformation never come from doing exactly what everyone expects. It is disruptive and innovative thinking and its bold implementation that drive the advancements and breakthroughs we celebrate today.
From the outset, we have taken pride in exploring unconventional avenues and uncovering viable alternatives that often elude many. For those new to SOEI, our core mission is to revolutionize education in a way that empowers society, eradicates insecurity, and combats corruption.
Here, we focus on “Alternative Funding: The Road to Surplus.”
Inadequate funding for the academic sector accepted as normal in yearly budgets is the greatest threat to our educational landscape. Sadly, Nigeria remains far below global standards in education funding allocation. Given the significant gaps to overcome, one would expect that we should exceed world benchmarks in budgetary allocations to reverse the decline. Yet, our indifference persists, and the consequences of poor funding continue to degrade educational standards.
At this critical juncture, the fight for funds must extend beyond strikes and protests. We need resourceful alternative funding strategies while waiting for government intervention.
Consider this: The number of educational institutions in Nigeria is staggering and growing rapidly. New monumental school buildings seemingly arise overnight. Yet, many government and private schools suffer from low standards primarily due to funding constraints. This status quo cannot continue. Every school has the potential to become self-sufficient with the right management and innovative approach.
One promising avenue for alternative funding is agriculture, a sector widely underestimated in its potential for generating revenue.
Nigeria is blessed with an exceptional climate suitable for food and livestock production. Moreover, vast expanses of unused, virgin lands remain idle, waiting to be cultivated and yield millions of products. To make alternative funding viable, legislation should mandate that every school, particularly higher education institutions, own and operate commercial farms.
Many schools, including those that have existed for over five decades, still possess large tracts of unused land. These lands must be actively converted into commercial agricultural ventures. With students as a ready workforce and access to consultants and farm experts within tertiary institutions, this model is ripe for success.
From the first year, practical agriculture should become a compulsory part of every student’s curriculum, regardless of their major. The rationale is clear: today’s food scarcity and skyrocketing food prices have made basic sustenance unaffordable for many Nigerians. Further, most students lack even fundamental knowledge of farming or livestock management. Introducing them to agriculture not only fills this knowledge gap but may also inspire many to pursue farming post-graduation.
Here’s how it would work: students form groups or choose to work individually. The school allocates land and distributes improved plant or livestock species for cultivation or rearing. At year-end, the harvest is sold, with profits shared between the school and students.
To maximize sales, the public should be informed well in advance of harvest days. Food businesses and individuals would then flock to purchase fresh produce directly. Schools must ensure easy access to the farms for buyers, as inaccessible farms deter patrons. Market traders, especially women, often eagerly buy food in large quantities. Food, after all, is essential to all living beings, guaranteeing strong demand and profits.
Depending on management, additional concurrent businesses can complement the farming scheme, provided thorough feasibility studies are done.
Another facet of alternative funding involves value addition and product advancement. Instead of merely selling raw products like palm fruits or crude palm oil, schools can engage in processes such as bleaching and packaging. This adds value and creates more profit and employment. Cassava tubers, for instance, can be processed into packaged food items for local sale or export. The possibilities within agro-allied industries are endless.
Imagine the revenue generated by higher education institutions if they adopt such alternative funding methods. At the same time, market prices for food would become more affordable due to increased supply from these initiatives.
To clarify, the alternative funding through agriculture advocated here differs significantly from the typical agricultural projects run by university departments. Departmental farms serve as limited, localized teaching resources for agriculture students. In contrast, the proposed school farm initiative involves compulsory participation by all students at least in their first year and is focused primarily on generating profits.
With adoption of this transformative model, Nigeria could address its food security challenges decisively while also becoming a key supplier to other African nations and beyond. The government’s role would be to support this effort through grants, provision of superior breeds for planting and rearing, infrastructure development, and ensuring security and safety.
The road to surplus and ultimately educational and national betterment, lies through innovative, alternative funding grounded in the fertile soil of agriculture. The time to cultivate this potential is now.