FCAPT Kano Partners UNESCO, AU, Korea to Boost Agro-Processing Skills and TVET in Nigeria

The Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT), Kano, has entered into a strategic partnership with UNESCO, the African Union, and the Republic of Korea under the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) III initiative, aimed at strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and advancing agro-processing skills in Nigeria.

The collaboration is part of the third phase of the BEAR programme, currently being implemented across West African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone between 2023 and 2027.

At the core of the initiative is FCAPT Kano, a key institution in agricultural technology training, which is spearheading efforts in agro-processing and post-harvest management. The project seeks to equip young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills that enhance employability and support economic growth, with special emphasis on empowering women and vulnerable groups.

Under the BEAR III framework, the college is actively involved in developing modern curricula tailored to Nigeria’s agro-processing sector.

It is also enhancing the capacity of its lecturers through specialized training programmes designed to improve teaching quality and knowledge transfer.

In addition, selected facilities within the institution are being upgraded with modern equipment to promote hands-on technical training and innovation.

As part of its ongoing contributions, FCAPT Kano has participated in several strategic engagements. In October 2025, representatives attended a National Occupational Standards (NOS) training focused on post-harvest technology, where they gained insights into competency benchmarking and global best practices, including lessons from South Korea’s TVET system.

Earlier, in September, the college joined key stakeholders at a TVET planning workshop in Kano to align vocational education with national development goals. It also took part in an employer satisfaction survey to evaluate how well its graduates meet industry demands.

Demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, FCAPT Kano marked World Youth Day with activities encouraging young women to pursue careers in agro-processing and post-harvest management, highlighting the importance of gender inclusion in agriculture.

The institution has also submitted competency-based occupational standards in tomato and rice processing for mid-level professionals, which are currently undergoing validation and are expected to shape training and certification nationwide.

Aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in quality education and decent work, the BEAR III project reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to building a skilled workforce.

Stakeholders believe the partnership signals a new phase in Nigeria’s vocational education sector, combining global expertise with local implementation to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and create sustainable employment opportunities.

As implementation continues, FCAPT Kano is set to play a leading role in transforming agricultural education and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals in the country.