The Abuja chapter of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) has held a quiz competition aimed at encouraging young Nigerians to consider livestock agriculture as a rewarding career path.
The event, which took place in Abuja, provided a platform for students to demonstrate their knowledge of animal science and agriculture, underscoring the vital role of youth curiosity in shaping the future of the nation’s agricultural sector.
The theme of the competition was “Young Animal Scientist Secondary School Quiz Competition.”
Mr. John Taiwo, Chairman of ASAN, Abuja, described animal science as a major branch of agriculture and one of the most dynamic career fields, offering opportunities in nutrition, genetics, breeding, research, and agribusiness.
Taiwo, represented by Dr. Oluchi Agubosi, Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Abuja, urged the participants to take pride in their potential to drive food security and innovation in the agricultural sector.
“As Nigeria’s population grows and the demand for animal protein increases, the nation needs young innovators who will lead the way in making agriculture modern, sustainable, and technology-driven,” he said.
Agubosi, who also serves as the University of Abuja’s HOD of Animal Science, noted that agriculture and animal science remain key to achieving lasting food security. She emphasized the need for proactive leadership in the sector to ensure consistent production and supply.
She expressed optimism that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) would help address long-standing challenges, including the farmer-herder conflicts, and promote better livestock management through ranching.
Mr. Victor Egbon, Director of Ruminants and Monogastric Development at the FMLD, highlighted ongoing initiatives under the Nigerian Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which includes rehabilitating abandoned grazing reserves and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
Dr. Azeezah Babalola, ASAN’s Public Relations Officer and quiz anchor, explained that the event served as a pre-conference activity designed to ignite young people’s interest in animal science and agricultural innovation.
Fifteen secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory participated in the competition, with Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, emerging the winner after earning 65 points and a cash prize of ₦120,000. School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, came second with ₦100,000, while Government Secondary School, Dangara, placed third, receiving ₦70,000.
By promoting agricultural education through youth engagement, ASAN reaffirmed its commitment to building a new generation of professionals dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s livestock industry.