Assessment of Agricultural Education Programme Environment in Tertiary Institutions for Sustainable Industries in Benue State

Abstract

The paper focused on assessment of Agricultural Education programme environment in tertiary institutions for sustainable industries in Benue State. Survey research design was used. Three research questions formulated in line with three specific objectives guided the study. The population for the study was 54 lecturers and technical support staff in public tertiary institutions offering Agricultural Education in Benue State. There was no sampling since the population was manageable. A 72 item structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Fifty of the 54 copies of the questionnaire distributed were retrieved and analyzed using percentages for research questions 1 and 2, and the mean and standard deviation for research question 3. The findings of the study showed that 60.53% of recommended material resources were available, and there were adequate human resources. It was also found that there was no sustained/regular partnership between tertiary institutions and industry to complement school-based activities with work-based activities. It was therefore, recommended that tertiary institutions should: use available human and material resources, and to forge a stronger, more enduring partnership with industry through periodic programmes and fora for improving agricultural education programme environment for sustainable industries in Benue State.