ASSESSING THE AVAILABILITY OF TEACHERS AND LABORATORY FACILITIES FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE IN IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE

ABSTRACT Agriculture is one of the mainstreams of Nigeria's economy that engages more than 70% of the total workforce. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the availability of teachers and laboratory facilities for effective teaching and learning of Agricultural science in some selected Secondary Schools in irepodun Local Government Area, in Kwara State. Agricultural Science combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making access to skilled teachers and laboratory resources critical. The study examines how these factors affect students' engagement, comprehension, and practical skill acquisition in Agricultural Science. It explores the implications of a shortage of qualified teachers and insufficient laboratory facilities, which hinder experiential learning and negatively impact student outcomes. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using Chi-Square statistical tools, revealing a significant correlation between the availability of resources and student performance. This research underscores the importance of enhancing teacher availability and laboratory infrastructure to improve Agricultural Science education, providing valuable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to boost educational standards and equip students with necessary agricultural skills.