The Northern College of Science and Technology in Yendi has emerged as a beacon of agricultural education, earning the prestigious title of National Best Junior High School in Practical Agriculture at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration. The event, held on Friday, December 5, at the Ho Sports Stadium, recognized the school’s 13-year commitment to integrating agriculture into its educational framework, setting a national standard for others to follow.
The school’s dedication to practical agriculture was rewarded with an impressive array of prizes, including a brand-new 12-unit classroom block completed by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), a minibus donated by Best Agro, a tricycle, a thresher, sprayers from K. Bedu, agrochemicals, five pieces of cutlasses, Wellington boots, and assorted chemicals. These resources will further enhance the school’s ability to provide hands-on agricultural education and sustain its self-sufficient model.
Founder Nathaniel Adams shared with Joy News that the school has successfully integrated agriculture into its daily learning and food production systems. “Our students grow about 70 percent of their own food,” Mr. Adams explained. The school’s agricultural program is comprehensive, encompassing crop cultivation, fish ponds stocked with tilapia and catfish, and livestock operations featuring goats, sheep, and cattle. The school’s poultry operations are particularly notable, with each student enjoying an egg a day from the school’s birds.
The Northern College of Science and Technology’s model of agricultural integration not only subsidizes education costs but also builds strong science and agricultural skills among students. This holistic approach to education was recognized with the Agricultural Excellence Award, which praised the institution for its sustainable practices and innovative school farm initiatives.
As part of the celebrations, the school held an exhibition showcasing its farm produce, demonstrating the practical results of its agricultural education model. The display featured various crops, evidence of livestock management, and products from the poultry and aquaculture operations, providing a tangible representation of the school’s success.
The achievement gained additional significance when President John Dramani Mahama, in his address at the ceremony, announced a landmark policy requiring all secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Ghana to establish school farms. This presidential directive positions Northern College of Science and Technology as a pioneering example of what can be achieved through dedicated agricultural education. The school is expected to serve as a reference point for institutions implementing the new policy, further cementing its role as a national model.
Mr. Adams emphasized that the award reflects more than a decade of commitment to agriculture-driven learning and discipline. “This achievement is the result of 13 years of consistent dedication to integrating practical agriculture with academic excellence,” he said. The school’s model addresses multiple challenges simultaneously: reducing operational costs through food production, providing practical skills training, ensuring nutritional security for students, and fostering entrepreneurial thinking through exposure to agricultural enterprise.
The recognition at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration marks a significant milestone not only for Northern College of Science and Technology but also for agricultural education in Ghana. As the nation moves toward making school farming a standard component of the educational system, the Northern College of Science and Technology stands as a testament to the transformative power of integrating agriculture into education. The school’s success story is poised to inspire a new generation of leaders and foster a culture of sustainability through innovative agricultural initiatives.