Beyond the Classroom: Lagos Students Compete to Redefine Farming
The future of agriculture came alive in Lagos as students from public and private schools across the state gathered for the 2026 edition of the AgriQuest Lagos Students Competition, an initiative designed to inspire young people to see farming as a tool for innovation, food security and national development.
With the theme, “NextGen Farmers: Redefining Agriculture,” the event featured junior and senior school categories, drawing participation from schools including Topfield School, Mayflower School, Ogun State, Dairy Farm School, Agege Lagos, among others.
The highlight of the competition was the keenly contested quiz sessions where students demonstrated impressive knowledge of agriculture, food systems and environmental sustainability.
At the end of the contest, the overall best school in the senior category received a ₦2 million prize, while the junior category winner received ₦1 million.
Beyond the prizes, however, it was the enthusiasm and changing mindset of the students that stood out.
One participant said the competition had transformed his perception of agriculture and inspired him to begin planting vegetables at home to contribute to food security.
“I never knew agriculture could be this interesting. I want to start growing vegetables when I get home,” the student said.
Speaking during the event, Brand Director Mrs. Robin Gloria said the initiative was created to rekindle young people’s interest in agriculture and encourage them to see it as a meaningful path for the future.
According to her, exposing students to agriculture early would help build a generation that values food production, innovation and sustainability.
She added that the organisers hope to make the programme an annual platform for nurturing future agricultural leaders.
Also speaking, the Chief Operations Officer, Hon. Abraham Oshuko, stressed that schools remain the foundation for achieving food sufficiency in the country.
He noted that introducing students to practical agricultural knowledge and healthy competition could help shape a new generation committed to solving food challenges in Nigeria.
Reporting by Adedayo Adeyanju