CR-SUBEB, UBEC LAUNCH AETP 2024: PCN PRIMARY SCHOOL, AKIM WINS CALABAR ZONE AGRIC CONTEST
By Beatrice Odobi
The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (CR-SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja, has commenced the 2024 Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP) with a 3-day Entrepreneurship and Life Skills Training for public primary schools, themed “Growing Young Minds Through Agriculture.”
The Calabar Zone edition was held on April 28, 2026, at PCN Primary School, Akim. The programme continues today, April 29, at Government Primary School, Asu-Egbe, Ikom for the Central Zone, and concludes April 30 at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Ishibori, Ogoja for the Northern Zone.
In her keynote address, the Director of Academic Services, CR-SUBEB, Mrs. Caroline Ana, welcomed the Executive Chairman, SUBEB Board Members, UBEC officials, directors, teachers, pupils, and headteachers. She described the training as a significant step toward shaping the future of young people through agriculture. “Agriculture is more than farming it is a pathway to innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable development,” she stated.
The Executive Chairman of CR-SUBEB, Chief Magistrate Fidelia Okpo Ene (Rtd), thanked the administration of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for supporting programmes that combine academic learning with practical experiences to ensure pupils are well-rounded and future-ready. She urged pupils to develop greater interest in agriculture and called for more schools to be included in future editions.
Dignitaries present included: the Director of Administration, Mr. Joseph; the Board’s Internal Auditor, Ms. Christy; the Director, Teacher Professional Development (TPD), Mr. Nzan; and the UBEC State Coordinator, who was represented by Mr. Benjamin James from the Department of Academic Services. Also in attendance were the Executive Secretary, Calabar Municipality, represented by Mrs. Margaret Orok, and the Desk Officer, Academic Services, Elder Ekpo.
Participating schools were: Holy Child Primary School; PCN Primary School, Akim; Government Primary School, Esuk Otu; Ironbar Memorial Primary School; Government Primary School, New Netim, Odukpani; and St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ikot Ene.
Resource person, Mr. Thomas Wonah, delivered an interactive lecture on the definition, branches, and importance of agriculture. Learners were exposed to various farm tools, crops, and seedlings. He then led a practical session demonstrating the step-by-step process of planting yam.
A competitive question-and-answer session followed, with Mr. Nzan, Mrs. Margaret Orok, and Elder Ekpo serving as judges. After a keen contest anchored by Mr. Wonah, PCN Primary School, Akim, represented by Victoria Efiong Okon, emerged winner. Ironbar Memorial Primary School, represented by Chibuzor Daniel Kelechi, placed second, while Holy Child Primary School, represented by Precious Gabriel, came third.
The event concluded with an award ceremony recognizing outstanding performance.
In her closing remarks, the Agricultural Teacher, Mrs. Ibitham Onugu Bassey, thanked the facilitators and organizers “for coming to renew their minds” and assured that participants would “go home and practicalize all that have been taught.”
