03/08/2026
CENTRE HOLDS 5-DAY TRAINING ON ORGANIC FARMING FOR POLYTECHNIC STAFF
The TETFund Centre of Excellence for Integrated Farming Systems has concluded a five-day training workshop on organic farming for staff of the Polytechnic. Held from 28th July to 1st August 2026, the workshop introduced participants to the principles and practical techniques of organic agriculture, equipping them with skills for self-employment and community empowerment.
In his opening remarks, the Rector, Alh Sani Usman, described the training as particularly timely given the nation’s renewed focus on food security and the demand for farm produce that are safe for human consumption. Represented at the ceremony by Dr. Adamu Wakili, a former Dean of the School of Agricultural Technology and Chairman of the Centre’s Technical Advisory Committee, the Rector expressed appreciation to TETFund for funding programmes that have a direct, life‑changing impact on staff and the wider community.
“The training will not only increase awareness about healthy farming practices but will also create opportunities for entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods,” Dr. Wakili quoted the Rector as saying. He urged all participants to pay careful attention during the sessions and to translate what they learn into practice, and to cascade the knowledge to colleagues, students, and community members.
Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed, Director of the TETFund Centre of Excellence for Integrated Farming Systems, noted that this was the Centre’s second organic farming workshop and that the decision to repeat the programme followed strong demand from the Polytechnic community. He said the Centre had assembled an experienced team of resource persons to deliver both theoretical and hands-on sessions, and he encouraged participants to cooperate fully with facilitators to gain maximum benefit.
Over the five days, resource persons guided staff through the nitty-gritty of organic farming — from soil health and natural fertilisers to pest management and small‑scale enterprise development. Sessions combined classroom instruction with practical demonstrations designed to make organic techniques accessible and replicable on campus farms and home gardens.
The Director described the training as part of the Centre’s broader mandate to promote integrated, sustainable farming practices and to support staff and students in developing marketable skills. Participants were expected to leave the workshop not only with new knowledge but also with a readiness to apply organic methods that protect health and the environment while creating income-generating opportunities.
The Polytechnic community has welcomed the initiative as an important step toward strengthening food security and promoting healthier agricultural produce. The Centre has continued to signal plans to continue similar capacity-building programmes in response to community needs.
