OAU don calls for sufficient funding to improve coordination of extension delivery activities

A Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology in the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Bosede Olukemi Lawal, has called on the federal government to allocate adequate funding for the coordination of extension service delivery activities to ensure the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP) delivers solutions for Sustainable Food Security in Nigeria. She made the call while delivering the 403rd inaugural lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. She highlighted NEEP’s potential to modernise the agricultural extension system using digital tools, emphasising the need for new skill sets and continuous training for extension workers and farmers. The success of the platform also depends on adequate and stable infrastructure, funding and strong coordination among stakeholders.

The lecture titled ‘Navigating the world of sustainable food security: Odyssey of a change enabler’ described social factors contributing to food insecurity, such as climate shocks, the economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and insecurity due to Boko Haram insurgency. She pointed out the crucial role of extension professionals in achieving food security. She stressed the importance of collaboration among extension scientists, other agricultural research scientists, and farmers for sustainable food security. According to her, it is through such collaborative efforts that Nigeria can address the growing burden of hunger, poverty and malnutrition and pave the way to sustainable food security.

The inaugural lecturer, therefore, recommended concerted efforts to foster collaboration across agricultural disciplines. She stressed the need for the Nigerian government to invest more in coordinating research institutes through increased funding. She also called for an effective interface among academia, industry, extension service systems and all tiers of government.

Professor Olukemi Lawal has won awards, grants and held administrative positions during her career in the Institute/ University.

The lecture drew a high-profile audience, including the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Oluropo Akinfala, IAR&T Director, Professor Akin Oluwatosin, distinguished academia, professional colleagues, traditional leaders, farmers, and other agricultural stakeholders. 

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