Prof. Fakoya Delivers FUNAAB’s 110th Inaugural Lecture, Launches ₦1 Million Prize for Best Farm Practical Year Student

Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, a leading authority in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), delivered the University’s 110th Inaugural Lecture and announced a ₦1 million annual prize to reward the Best Farm Practical Year student, in honour of his late father.

The lecture, held at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, marks the beginning of a 10-year initiative. The prize will be awarded at the 34th Convocation Ceremony and is designed to encourage excellence in hands-on agricultural training while motivating students in FUNAAB’s Farm Practical Year Programme.

Prof. Fakoya’s lecture, titled “Measurement and Scaling: Bedrock of Robust Agricultural Extension Research Analysis,” emphasized the need for evidence-based agricultural policies in Nigeria. He highlighted that sectors such as land management, livestock production, conflict resolution, and women’s empowerment often face implementation challenges due to the lack of standardised measurement tools.

“Without accurate and reliable metrics, it is difficult to objectively assess the impact of extension programmes on rural livelihoods,” Prof. Fakoya stated. He called for national and regional frameworks to establish uniform metrics for evaluating key variables, including adoption rates, empowerment indices, and conflict intensity, ensuring inclusiveness and gender responsiveness in agricultural interventions.

The lecture further advocated a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration among agricultural economists, sociologists, statisticians, and extension experts. Prof. Fakoya recommended that universities and research institutes create specialised centres focused on measurement and scaling studies to drive methodological standardisation and innovation.

He also stressed the importance of advanced quantitative techniques such as Likert scaling, factor analysis, and regression modelling, alongside sustained capacity building in data analytics and psychometrics for professionals and students.

During his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde praised Prof. Fakoya’s contributions, describing the lecture as timely and impactful. He highlighted the critical role of robust research methodology and credible data in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Prof. Fakoya currently serves as Dean of the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), sits on the University’s Governing Council, and chairs the Committee of Deans and Directors at FUNAAB.

The ₦1 million prize is expected to inspire higher standards of practical agricultural training and reinforce the University’s commitment to excellence in agribusiness education and research.