By Marvellous Obinwanne <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Teaching and Research Farm at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, continues to play a significant role in providing practical agricultural training for students despite facing several operational challenges affecting its activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Located at Site II of the university, the farm serves as a practical learning centre where students studying Agriculture-related courses are exposed to hands-on experience in fish farming, aquaculture and crop production. The practical exercises organised at the farm complement classroom teaching by giving students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life agricultural practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During separate visits to the farm, this reporter observed fish ponds, cultivated farmland and other facilities used for teaching and research. Although the environment appeared quiet on arrival during one of the visits, it later became clear that maintenance activities were ongoing and that the farm remained active in supporting students’ practical learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking during the visit, one of the farm workers, Davison, popularly known as “Oracle,” explained that the aquaculture section of the farm contains different species of fish, including Clarias (African giant catfish), Red Tilapia and Grass Carp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
READ ALSO:<\/strong> Delta Court Jails Neighbor 12 Years For Raping 11-Year-Old Girl<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to him, the farm provides practical training for students from different departments within the Faculty of Agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We organise practical sessions for students regularly. They participate in fish farming and crop production so they can understand what they are taught in class better,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Davison explained that practical training equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in agriculture after graduation. He added that exposing students to practical work also encourages them to become self-reliant and develop interest in commercial farming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another worker at the farm, Ovirirri, identified inadequate manpower, unstable electricity supply, lack of modern machinery and insufficient funding as some of the major challenges affecting the farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ ALSO:<\/strong> The History and Significance of the Benin Kingdom: A Story of Greatness, Culture, and Lasting Legacy, By Oyeribhor Ofure<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n He explained that electricity is particularly important because water must be pumped regularly into the fish ponds to maintain healthy conditions for fish production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The work is stressful because there are only a few workers. We also need more machinery, stable electricity and increased funding to improve our work,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ovirirri added that improved facilities would enable workers to carry out their responsibilities more effectively while creating a better learning environment for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During another visit to the farm, another worker identified as Emeka also highlighted the challenge of maintaining the farm during the rainy season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ ALSO:<\/strong> Mass Communication Students Display Talent In Football Match<\/a> According to him, weeds grow rapidly after clearing, making it necessary to use herbicides and other farm chemicals regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “After clearing the farm during the rainy season, weeds grow back within a short time. We need more chemicals to maintain the farm properly,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emeka added that despite the challenges facing the farm, he remains committed to his work because it provides him with a source of livelihood while contributing to students’ practical education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students who use the farm for practical exercises also described it as an important part of their academic programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ ALSO:<\/strong> Trailing Argentina Sink England, March Into 2026 World Cup Final After Classic Comeback<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A 200-level Fisheries student, Echosure Michael, said agriculture provides students with opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to him, the practical knowledge gained from the university farm can help students establish fish farming businesses even before graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Agriculture is a good course because it gives students the opportunity to become independent. Even while in school, someone can start a fish pond business and earn money. The practicals also help us understand farming better,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added that practical classes are usually held on Wednesdays and require dedication, commitment and physical effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ ALSO:<\/strong> Cancer Cases Rising Among Young Adults In Nigeria, Health Experts Warn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the practical sessions can be demanding, he noted that they expose students to real farming activities and prepare them for future employment in the agricultural sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, a 400-level Agriculture student, Chukwuma Manasseh ,described the university farm as one of the most important practical facilities for students in the Faculty of Agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He explained that regular practical sessions have helped students understand farming beyond classroom lectures by exposing them to the realities of agricultural production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We come here regularly for practicals. The experience has helped us understand farming beyond what we learn in class because we carry out the work ourselves,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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