NASC begins 2025 boot camp for youths on plant variety protection

The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has commenced the 2025 Boot Camp for Youths on Plant Variety Protection aimed at developing and enhancing the nation’s agricultural sector and addressing the ageing population of farmers.

The programme tagged, “2025 Boot Camp for Youths on Plant Variety Protection (PVP) for the Development of Agriculture”, which began in Abuja on Monday, is a week-long programme, aimed at equipping the next generation of champions with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive meaningful change.

Organised by the Nigeria Plant Variety Protection Office (NPVPO), the boot camp brought together 25 selected participants across the Country, who will learn about the principles, key concepts, and practical application of plant Variety Protection based on the UPOV PVP system.

Speaking at the event, Ishiak Othman Khalid, acting director general, NASC emphasised the importance of Plant Variety Protection, stating that Nigeria is fully committed to developing and enhancing its agricultural sector.

The director general also thanked partners such as AGRA and UPOV for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the process.

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“This initiative is part of Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on petroleum production”, he added.

The director general said as the Country strives to transform its energy sector, initiatives like the 2025 Boot Camp for Youths on Plant Variety Protection are crucial in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to drive sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector.”

Also speaking, Esther Ibrahim representing the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, noted that the journey to transform Nigeria’s food systems was far from over as it was clear the current agricultural population was ageing.

She stated that the need for innovation and fresh perspectives is urgent, and the meeting is a step in the right direction noting that Nigeria is committed to achieving food security.” Efforts are underway to ensure that, farmers have access to high-quality materials and seeds to improve yields”.

Despite facing challenges and resistance, the importance of protecting breeders’ efforts and incentivising them to develop new varieties cannot be overstated, she said.

While adding that the meeting is a call to action, she urged participants to put their efforts together to drive meaningful change.

“With the support of international bodies and partners like the National Seed Council, Nigeria was poised to make significant strides in transforming its food systems,” she noted, adding that it is time for Nigeria’s youth to take the reins and contribute to the country’s food security and prosperity.