NIPOF and Luqknight Ltd Flag Off 3-Day Intensive Hydroponic Farming Training in Niger State
NIPOF and Luqknight Ltd Flag Off 3-Day Intensive Hydroponic Farming Training in Niger State
Minna, Niger State – June 22, 2026
The Nigeria Polytechnics Foundation (NIPOF), in partnership with Luqknight Ltd, has flagged off a three-day intensive training programme on Hydroponic Farming at the Fatima Lami Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies (FLAILAS), Minna.
The programme stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIPOF and Luqknight Ltd aimed at strengthening industry–institution collaboration by linking students of tertiary institutions with industrial partners for practical, innovation-driven skills development. The initiative is designed to equip students with hands-on competencies in hydroponic farming as part of efforts to promote modern, sustainable, and technology-based agriculture.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the NIPOF Chairman, Dr. Babangida Alibaba described the training as a key step in advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through industry linkage, innovation, and practical skills acquisition. He noted that NIPOF remains committed to bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry needs by promoting employability, entrepreneurship, and applied research for national development. Dr. Zakari Abdullahi, Secretary of NIPOF, also reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding similar initiatives across allied institutions.
In his opening remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Niger State, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, commended the initiative, describing hydroponic farming as a timely innovation capable of addressing food insecurity, land limitations, and climate-related agricultural challenges. He emphasized that modern agriculture requires technology-driven approaches and encouraged participants to embrace the training as an opportunity to become future agripreneurs contributing to food production and economic growth.
Other stakeholders at the event underscored the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions in promoting green innovation and sustainable development. The Director-General of the Niger State Agency for Green Initiatives (NG-SAGI), Dr. Habila Daniel Galadima, highlighted the role of climate-smart agriculture in environmental sustainability, while the Provost of FLAILAS, Dr. Amina Usman, expressed appreciation to NIPOF and Luqknight Ltd for selecting the institution as a beneficiary of the pilot programme.
The training marks a significant milestone in strengthening industry-academia partnerships for skills development and youth empowerment in Nigeria. NIPOF reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that promote innovation, practical training, and sustainable economic growth.
Signed
Dr. Zakari Abdullahi
Secretary, NIPOF