14/06/2026
"Bridging the Theory-Practice Divide in Agricultural Education: Reflections from the Real People Concept Hands-on Training Workshop, Iwo, Nigeria"
It was a rare privilege and a valuable professional experience to participate in the maiden hands-on training on selected Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) organized by Real People Concept (RPC), Iwo, Osun State, on Friday, 12th and Saturday, 13th June, 2026. The workshop brought together animal reproductive physiology professionals, animal breeders and animal scientists from diverse institutions across Nigeria.
One undeniable reality in agricultural education is that theoretical knowledge alone can never be sufficient for graduates and professionals who aspire to practice effectively along the agricultural value chain or contribute meaningfully to teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. While classroom instruction provides the necessary scientific foundation, practical competence is what transforms knowledge into impactful solutions.
Recognizing this critical need, Real People Concept has invested significantly in the technological expertise, equipment, and facilities required to bridge the longstanding gap between theory and practice within Nigeria's livestock and agricultural science sector. Through strategic partnerships, international exposure, and study tours across countries such as Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, India, Brazil, and China, RPC has amassed extensive scientific knowledge and technical capacity that can greatly enhance the skills of Nigerian animal scientists and veterinarians, particularly those specializing in reproductive physiology and theriogenology.
For many professionals, access to this level of practical training is often limited until opportunities arise for postdoctoral studies, fellowships, or advanced training abroad. RPC is helping to democratize access to such valuable expertise within Nigeria, thereby strengthening local capacity and reducing dependence on foreign training opportunities.
There is a popular saying that "seeing is believing." However, after my experience at this intensive two-day workshop, I would rather say that "seeing is understanding better." The practical demonstrations and hands-on sessions provided insights that textbook, lecture note, or laboratory manual may not adequately convey.
This experience also highlights an important lesson for policymakers, educational administrators, and relevant government agencies. Agricultural sciences, like the natural and applied sciences, should never be taught in abstraction. Adequate funding must be allocated to equip institutional laboratories, teaching farms, and research facilities with modern tools and technologies. Without deliberate investment in practical training infrastructure, many educational institutions and research establishments may struggle to achieve their intended mandates.
For Nigerian agricultural graduates and professionals to deliver services rooted in evidence-based practice—as their counterparts in medicine, engineering, and technology increasingly do—state-of-the-art equipment and facilities must become more accessible. National aspirations relating to food security, food safety, livestock productivity, and sustainable development may remain largely unrealized if practical capacity development continues to receive inadequate attention.
I sincerely commend the leadership and team of Real People Concept under the management of Mr. Tunmise Olagbaju, for their vision, commitment, and investment in human capital development. Their efforts are contributing meaningfully to the advancement of livestock science and animal reproduction practice in Nigeria.
May Almighty God continue to elevate and strengthen Real People Concept. May He also guide the leaders of our beloved nation, Nigeria, with wisdom and sincerity. To every teacher, mentor, colleague, and professional who has contributed or still contributes in any way to my intellectual and professional development, I pray that God rewards you abundantly beyond your expectations.
Aamiin.
Yakub Oludare ADENUGA, RAS
Doctoral Student, Animal Reproductive Physiology Unit, Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Nigeria.
Sunday/14/06/2026
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