The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has added a new dimension to its efforts to expand agricultural practices that can positively impact food production at the school level. This comes with the commissioning of a school gardening programme tagged “School Garden/Nutri-Fan Club.”

The initiator of the garden programme, Dr. Patricia Ogechi Ukegbu, who is also the Acting Head of the University’s Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, described the programme as “a significant milestone” in their drive to promote good dietary, hygienic, and agricultural practices among adolescents — in order to prevent diet-related diseases including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.

Dr. Ukegbu underscored the importance of nutrition and health during adolescence, the 10–19-year age range, noting that adolescents constitute about 21% — or 41 million — of Nigeria’s population.

She emphasised that adequate nutrition during this stage is critical to compensate for possible deficits suffered during childhood, meet the demands of physical and cognitive development, and prevent several diet-related diseases.

She further explained that the programme would also serve as a laboratory and practical hub for students of the University and its Demonstration School to acquire knowledge of various food types and their nutrients, while also empowering adolescents with skills needed to make informed food choices and adopt lifestyles that will shape their long-term wellbeing.

The Garden Programme was officially launched at the University’s Demonstration Secondary School by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe (a food scientist), who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Ursula Akanwa.

The event also featured the unveiling of a new book titled “Basic Nutrition, Hygiene & Gardening Techniques: A Guide for Adolescents,” authored by Dr. Ukegbu, and the inauguration of the School’s Garden/Nutri-Fan Club.

Speaking at the event, Professor Akanwa stressed the importance of healthy living through balanced diets, particularly the need for fruits and vegetables, and reduced consumption of fatty and junk foods, which, she warned, pose a danger to health rather than support human growth and development.

The Vice-Chancellor commended Dr. Ukegbu for initiating the programme as a noteworthy contribution to the University’s efforts to promote good dietary, hygiene, and agricultural practices among adolescents, while also encouraging students to acquire hands-on farming experience.

Present at the ceremony were several top public officials, including State Nutrition Officer Mrs. Nmerichi Ofoegbu; Head of Information, State Secondary School Management Board, Comrade Daniel Onuoha; university professors, lecturers, and the host school’s Principal, Mr. Vitus Elendu.

Principal Elendu described the project as timely and encouraged students to cultivate crops using sack bags or available space in their homes to support household food security.

He expressed delight that his school was chosen for the pilot launch of the programme.

Other speakers echoed the call for the revival of school gardening — once a common practice — and advocated for its mandatory inclusion in all schools across Abia State, including integration into the formal teaching curriculum.