Extension Beyond Boundaries | Prof. Olutokunbo Oyesola’s Journey into Agricultural Extension — Part I

**Why agricultural extension? What makes someone choose the field—and stay committed to it for years?** In **Part I of Extension Beyond Boundaries**, The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast sits down with **Prof. Olutokunbo Oyesola**, Head of the **Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan**, for a personal conversation about the journey behind the position. Before discussing the future of agricultural extension, its challenges and the opportunities ahead, this conversation begins with **Prof. Oyesola himself**. He introduces his professional journey, reflects on what first drew him to agricultural extension, and shares what has kept him committed to the discipline. He also opens up about becoming **Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development**—his reflections on taking on the responsibility and what the role means to him. 🌱 **Why agricultural extension?** What led Prof. Oyesola into the field and shaped his professional path? 🎓 **The journey behind the profession** The experiences and influences that helped shape his career in agricultural extension. 🔎 **What keeps a professional in the field?** His reflections on why agricultural extension has remained an important part of his work. 🏛️ **Becoming Head of Department** His thoughts and reflections on taking on leadership of one of Nigeria's important agricultural extension and rural development departments. 🌍 **The meaning of agricultural extension** A conversation that provides context for the deeper discussion that follows in Parts II and III. **Part** I introduces the **person, journey and perspective** behind the role. In **Part II**, the conversation moves deeper into **Prof. Oyesola's vision for agricultural extension, the challenges facing the discipline, innovation and emerging opportunities**. Part III continues into questions around **students and youth, skills, partnerships, institutional impact and the future role of agricultural extension in sustainable food systems**. Together, the three parts form a broader conversation about where agricultural extension has been, where it is today, and where it can go next. Agricultural extension sits at an important intersection between research, knowledge, innovation and the people who need that knowledge most. As agriculture changes through technology, changing farmer needs, new forms of agricultural enterprise, climate pressures and evolving food systems, the question is not simply whether agricultural extension remains relevant. It is also how agricultural extension must evolve to remain useful, accessible and impactful. That larger conversation begins here. **Prof. Olutokunbo Oyesola** Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Professor of Rural Sociology and Social Safeguard Specialist. University of Ibadan, Nigeria **The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast** explores Food, Agriculture & Development Issues through conversations that connect research, policy and real-world realities. We bring together farmers, researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators, development professionals and other voices shaping agriculture and food systems in **Nigeria, Africa and the world**. **Conversations for a Sustainable Food Future.** **What first attracted you to agriculture or agricultural extension?** And what do you think makes agricultural extension professionals remain committed to the field? Share your thoughts and perspectives. **Follow The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast on Spotify** and continue with **Parts II and III** of *Extension Beyond Boundaries*.#AgriculturalExtension #Agriculture #RuralDevelopment #NigeriaAgriculture #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #UniversityOfIbadan #AgriculturalInnovation #FoodSystems