About Us

History

The Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development is one of the four Departments of the Faculty of Agriculture at its establishment in 1982.  Two lecturers from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management (Mr. J. C. Umeh and Mr. O. A. Omotesho) taught the courses in the Department at inception. They were supported by Mr Adeoye, the first technologist in the Department. Dr. M. D. Awolola was employed into the Department as the first lecturer in 1985 and was the first Acting Head of the Department. The academic and support staff of the Department have grown to 18 and four, respectively, over the years.

The Department commenced postgraduate programmes in 1988. In addition to the B. Agriculture and Postgraduate programmes, the Department also began the B. Sc. Agricultural Extension and Community Development programme in 2012. This programme was supported by the Sasakawa African Association (SAA) to enhance the skills of mid-career extension workers.

The Department has produced several graduates who are competing favourably both within the country and internationally. Dr. Kemi F. Omotesho is the current Acting Head of Department, and the Department currently has seven Professors.