M.Sc. Agricultural Extension

Department of Agricultural Extension And Rural Development

Master of Science in Agricultural Extension

M.Sc. Agricultural Extension

  1. list of Academic Staff
 Name Status and Qualification Research Interests
L. L. AdefaluReader and Ag. Head of Department
B.Agric., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Agric. Extension, Agro-forestry Extension and EnvironmentalSustainability
O. A. AdekunleProfessor
B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)
Agric. Extension, Rural Development and Policy, ICT,Gender, M and E
I. OgunladeProfessor
B.Agric., M.Sc. (OAU, Ile-Ife); Ph.D. (Ibadan)
Agric. Extension, Leadership Development and Rural Sociology
G. B.AdesijiProfessor
B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)
Agric. Extension and RuralDevelopment
R. S. AdisaProfessor
B.Agric., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Resource Conflict, Rural Development Agricultural Extension Child and YouthStudies
Sidiqat A. Aderinoye- AbdulwahabReader
B.Agric. (Ilorin); M.Sc. (UDU, Sokoto); Ph.D. (Reading)
Agric. Extension and Rural Development
Sijuwade A. AdebayoReader
B.Agric., M.Sc. (Ilorin); Ph.D. (Mahikeng)
Agric. Extension and Rural Development
O. BolarinSenior Lecturer
B.Sc., M.Sc. (OAU, Ile-Ife);Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Agricultural Journalism and Agricultural Communication
Kemi F. OmoteshoSenior Lecturer
B.Agric., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Agric. Extension, Rural Development, food Systems andGender Studies
Ajoke O. KayodeLecturer I
B.Sc. (ED) Agric. (Ado-Ekiti);M.Sc. (Ilorin); Ph.D. (LAUTECH, Ogbomosho)
Agric. Extension and Rural Development
A.K. DauduLecturer I
B.Agric., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)
Agric. Extension and RuralDevelopment
W. O. KareemLecturer I
B. Agric., M.Sc., (Ilorin); Ph.D. (Rahuri)
Agric. Extension
Tawakalitu A. DolapoLecturer II
B. Agric., M.Sc., (Ilorin);Ph.D. (LAUTECH, Ogbomosho)
Agric. Extension

B. Introduction

The programme is for the development of professional proficiency in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development for the intermediate level through the expansion of students‘ knowledge and capacity to think through and around problems, generate and communicate practical solutions to the multi-faceted social problems confronting agriculture in rural communities. The degree is a prerequisite for enrolment into the M.Phil./Ph.D. and Ph.D. degree programmes.

C. Philosophy

The philosophy of the programme is the use of formal lectures and practical sessions, tutorial/seminar presentations and supervised research to increase students‘ knowledge, skills, experience and mastery in solving real-life social problems pertaining to Agriculture and Rural Development such that they attain intermediate level professional proficiency and are suitably trained and qualified to undertake advanced training to Ph. D. or M.Phil./Ph.D. level if they so wish.

D. Aim and Objectives

The aim of the programme is to enhance the theoretical and practical knowledge base of students. objectives:

  1. Exposing students to advanced courses in relevant areas of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Sciences and other academic disciplines, and
  2. Equipping students with research and problem-solving skills through the conduct of supervised research, seminar presentations and dissertation preparation.

E. Admission Requirements

The candidates are required to possess the following:

  1. Five ‗O‘ Level Credits passes to include English Language and Mathematics and any three of the following; Biology/Agric. Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Economics.
  2. Bachelor degree in Agriculture or related disciplines with a minimum of Second Class Lower division, and/or
  3. PGD at distinction level in addition to satisfying University Matriculation requirements.
  4. The candidate will be required to write a qualifying exam conducted by the Postgraduate School and obtain a minimum of 55% .

F. Duration of the Programme

  1. The Full-time programme shall run for a minimum of 12 calendar months and maximum of 24 calendar months.
  2. The Part-time programme shall run for a minimum of 24 calendar months and maximum of 36 calendar months.

G. Detailed Course Description

AXR 801 Communication and Teaching Methods in Extension 3 Credits

Theories. Principles and processes of communication. Channels of communication between extension personnel. Researchers and field agents. Comparative analysis of various extension teaching methods. Theory, principles and procedures associated with effective instruction in extension education. Inter-relationship and relative effectiveness of extension teaching methods, result demonstration, method demonstration, meetings, tours, field days, and exhibitions. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

AXR 802 Comparative Extension System 3 Credits

Comparison of extension organisations and methods found in a number of countries. Characteristics of different extension approaches: target category approach. Factors contributing to effective agricultural extension work in Canada, Kenya, India, and USA, and their applications for Nigeria. 45h (T); E

AXR 803 Rural Community Organisation 3 Credits

Community organisation, Rural community organisation models, community social action, community social movement, application of sociological theories to a rural community, analysis of rural social systems and the relation of the individual to his social environment with reference to group processes, social relations/interactions, social structures, attitudes and problems of rural society. 45h (T); C

AXR 804 Computer and ICT Application in Agricultural Extension 3 Credits

Computer and ICT technologies used in extension. Database management systems (DBMS) Data analysis in agriculture. Data mining. Processing of data. Data coding, restoring and inputting. Computer analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data for extension students. Importance of ICTs in extension education. Use of basic computer software and the Internet for extension education. Handling of ICT tools for extension purposes. Designing and packaging of extension materials with the aid of computers. Use of mobile communication for agricultural extension and business. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

AXR 805 Seminar 2 Credits

Each student shall carry out a review of literature, critique and synthesis of ideas, knowledge and insights on an approved topic in agricultural extension and rural development, then apply best- practice to produce an original paper/report and present the same orally at a seminar. 90h (P); C

AXR 806  Agricultural Extension Planning and Evaluation 3 Credits

Needs assessment in agric. extension programs, Process of planning extension programs, implementation of agric. extension programs, monitoring and evaluation of extension programmes, accountability of extension programs: involvement of clientele in extension programs. Social and psychological factors promoting/inhibiting agric. extension programmes. 45h (T); E

AXR 807  Application of Sociology to Rural Problems 3 Credits

General sociological theories, analysis of the social structure of rural agrarian societies, Application of sociological and social psychology concepts to the problems of rural development. Group dynamics and Problems of rural society. Strategies and models of rural development: processes of socio-political integration. 45h (T); E

AXR 808 Process and Effects of Mass Communication in Extension Work   3 Credits

Mass media methods, Function of mass media, theories of mass media and media effect meditating factors affecting the interaction of ingredients in the communication process. Effects of the fidelity of extension information conveyed. 45h (T); E

AXR 809 Technological Changes in Rural Society 3 Credits

Understanding technological changes and diffusion of technologies: technological change, decision process, characteristics of technologies. Adoption rates and adopters categories. Local institution and technological change. Change agencies and agents. Research traditions on diffusion. Research formulations on diffusion technologies. Generalisation from diffusion research in Nigeria. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

AXR 810 Research Methods and their Application in Extension Education 3 Credits

Characteristics of scientific methods. Selection, planning and conduct of research. Literature, Logic, survey techniques, research design, questionnaire development and modes of data description. Measurement and scaling techniques in extension. Critical appraisal of research methods used in current studies. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

AXR 811  Administration and Supervision in Extension 3 Credits

Basic concepts of administration and supervision and their application to extension programmes. Organization and administration of extension services, including structure and characteristics of bureaucracy affecting the execution of change programmes. Staff development, recruitment, selection, placement and management of personnel.45h (T); E

AXR 812  Leadership Development I 3 Credits

Leaders and leadership, leadership in group setting, training of leaders for rural development, socio- cultural variation in leadership. Leadership patterns and characteristics and their importance in extension work and community programmes. 45h (T); E

AXR 813 Agrarian Systems and Social Movement 3 Credits

Nature and structure of different agrarian systems: land tenure, patterns, social structure, production organization and population composition. Effects of types of social movements on the structure of agriculture of agrarian communities. 45h (T); E

AXR 814 Design and Administration of Extension Training Programme 3 Credits

Training professionals, identification of organisational training needs, functions and status of training in organisations. Training in extension and types of training techniques. Management training and evaluation of training programmes.30h (T); 45h (T); E

AXR 815 Social Change in Rural Agricultural System 3 Credits

Change in rural social systems: agriculturally-based socio-economic organisational structures. Comparative historically-based examination of land tenure, marketing and distribution. 45h (T); E

AXR 816 Photography for Extension Education Instruction 3 Credits Photography skills emphasising 35mm and instant Matic type camera with application to instruction and other communication situations: photocopying, use of high contrast film for graphics, simple photographic projects for agricultural students. 15h (T); 90h (P); E

AXR 817 Television, Radio and Audio-Visual Aids in Extension 3 Credits Multimedia presentation and large group instruction. Role of visual literacy in learning, instructional communication models, micro-teaching and utilisation of instructional radio and television. Selection and evaluation of audio-visual education materials. 15h (T); 90h (P); E

AXR 818 Public Administration and Rural Communities 3 Credits

Introduction to the nature and problems of governments and administration in small communities: less than 2,500 people. Major topics: local government administration, public services and infrastructure, and personnel management.45h (T); E

AXR 819 Method of Regional Analysis 3 Credits

Discussion of techniques of spatial regional analysis relating to social economic and resource problems. Demonstration and analysis of selected tools for analysis. Statistical inference, inter- regional and regional input-output analysis. Linear programming for land use analysis. 15h (T); 45h (P); E

AXR 820 Rural Planning Methods 3 Credits

Definitions and dimensions. Goals of rural planning. Planning elements and Contributing factors to adequate rural development planning. Planning for human services and facilities in rural areas. Obstacles to effective rural planning. Future of rural planning in Nigeria. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

AXR 821 Pilot Projects in Rural Development 3 Credits

Objectives of pilot projects. Multidisciplinary approaches to rural development. Qualitative approaches to rural development. 30h (T);, 45h (P); E

AXR 822  Contemporary Issues in Global Agricultural Extension and Rural Development 1 3 Credits

Sustainable livelihood in rural areas. Key concepts on gender, household and community responsibilities among gender lines. Potentials and constraints in access to resources among the rural population. Extension approaches to environmental sustainability, and vulnerability issues. Application of online teaching methods in Agric. Extension training. Agric. Extension service delivery amidst challenges such as insecurity, pandemics, etc. 45 (T); E

AXR 823 Rural Social Problems and Public Policy 3 Credits

Concept of rural development, community development. Rural development problems. Social change in rural areas. Social problems in rural areas of Nigeria. Policy statements on rural development. Strategies for implementing public policies on rural development. 45h (T); E

AXR 824 Selection and Evaluation of Extension Materials 3 Credits

Principles. Objectives and procedures for the selection of extension materials: content/format/design. Methodology. Evaluation. Social and media consideration. 45h (T); E

AXR 825  Rural Youth Extension and Development Programme  3 Credits

History. Objectives. Organisation and types of rural youth programmes in Nigeria and other countries. Youth problems and roles of governments and non-governmental agencies. Self- employment opportunities. 45h (T); E

AXR 839 Dissertation 10 Credits

Each student guided by a member of the academic staff of the Department shall submit a dissertation on a topic approved by the department. 450h (P); C

H. Graduation Requirement

To be awarded the Master of Science degree in Agricultural Extension, a candidate must have fulfilled the following conditions:

i. Passed a minimum of 39 Credits as follows:

Core Courses 15 Credits

Elective Courses 12 Credits

Dissertation 10 Credits

Seminar 2 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

ii. Carried out research relevant to the area of specialisation and submitted an acceptable dissertation.

I Summary

i. Agricultural Extension Option:

Core Courses:

AXR 801 (3), 803 (3), 804 (3), 805 (2), 810 (3), 839 (10), RME 802 (3) 27 Credits

Elective Courses: AXR 802 (3), 806 (3), 807 (3), 808 (3), 809 (3), 811 (3), 812 (3), 813 (3), 814

(3), 816 (3), 817 (3), 818 (3), 822 (3), 824 (3), 825 (3) 12 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

ii. Rural Development Option:

Core Courses:

AXR 801 (3), 803 (3), 804 (3), 805(2), 810 (3), 839 (10), RME 802 (3) 27 Credits

Electives Courses: AXR 806 (3), 807 (3), 809 (3), 812 (3), 813 (3), 815 (3), 817 (3), 818 (3), 819

(3), 820 (3), 821 (3), 822 (3), 823 (3), 824 (3), 825 (3) 12 Credits

Total = 39 Credits

Course content for RME 802 is available in the host department