FLORICULTURE AS A TRADE SUBJECTS IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS; AN ADVOCACY CALL

Abstract

Floriculture is a subsector of horticulture in agriculture. It involves production of flowers and ornamental plants. Production of flowers is of great economic value to many countries of the world. In Nigeria, there is need to create awareness of floriculture so that youths can participate and acquire the needed skills that can empower them for employment. Floriculture provides employment opportunity directly or indirectly; it provides opportunity for self-employment and labour skills, such as nursery management, landscaping to mention a few. This study examined the need to develop floriculture as a trade subject in senior secondary schools. Having floriculture as a trade subject in senior secondary schools would bring about the following; increased awareness of importance and opportunities in floriculture, increased interest in acquiring the skills among the students, reduction in unemployment rate and meeting TVET objectives for sustainable development. However, floriculture was not one of the trade subjects, therefore, there is need for action to develop floriculture as a trade subject. Curriculum development and implementation of floriculture is necessary. The curriculum guidelines for developing trade subjects can be used to develop curriculum for floriculture in senior secondary schools. It was recommended that a review in agricultural and educational policy should be carried out to accommodate floriculture in its planning for effective utilization of its benefits to national development and economic recovery in Nigeria