Inclusive and Adaptive, Unismuh Makassar Agribusiness Program Drives the Production of Quality Graduates

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The Agribusiness Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah ( Unismuh) Makassar, has once again achieved a positive milestone by graduating 10 students from the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway from the Agricultural Development Polytechnic (Polbangtan) Gowa. The students were able to complete their studies in just three semesters.

The RPL pathway is a testament to Unismuh Makassar's commitment to recognizing the work experience and informal and non-formal learning that students have already acquired. This scheme is designed to expand access to higher education in a more inclusive and adaptive way, particularly for practitioners and entrepreneurs in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors.

The Head of the Agribusiness Program at the Faculty of Agriculture Unismuh Makassar, Muh. Ikmal Saleh, S.P., M.Si, explained that through RPL, the academic competence and work experience of students are assessed and recognized without compromising the standards of graduation.

"The RPL pathway allows students to complete their studies more quickly because their previous learning achievements are recognized. However, the quality of graduates is still maintained. RPL Agribusiness students are equipped with the academic, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills that are relevant to the needs of the workforce," said Ikmal.

He added that graduates of the Agribusiness RPL pathway are expected to play a role as agents of change in the agricultural sector, either as agribusiness entrepreneurs, farmer mentors, or professionals in various related institutions.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Ir. Andi Khaeriyah, M.Pd., IPU, expressed appreciation for the success of the Agribusiness Program in implementing RPL optimally and effectively.

According to Andi Khaeriyah, RPL is an innovative form of higher education that can address the challenges of the times. "The Faculty of Agriculture fully supports the implementation of RPL because it can improve access to education, accelerate the development of human resources, and strengthen the competitiveness of graduates," she said.

She emphasized that the Faculty of Agriculture, Unismuh Makassar, will continue to promote the development of responsive academic programs that meet the needs of society and the workforce, without compromising the quality of education and academic integrity.

With the addition of these RPL Agribusiness graduates, the Faculty of Agriculture, Unismuh Makassar, is optimistic that it can make a greater contribution to the development of sustainable agriculture and the improvement of community welfare through superior and competitive human resources.