Department of Agricultural Economics
History
The Department of Agricultural Economics is as old as JABU, being one of the founding departments established at the University’s inception in 2006. It began with four lecturers and seven students. Dr. T.G. Apata became the first Head of the Department on 23 October 2006 and served until 2014. He was succeeded by Dr. O.A. Igbalajobi (2014–2018), Dr. S.O.M. Awoniyi (2018–2022), and Prof. J.A. Folayan, who has held the position since 2022. The Department aims to produce well-rounded, articulate graduates who will become job creators and employers of labour. Specifically, the Department seeks to:
- Develop programs covering the broad areas of Agricultural Economics.
- Produce production-oriented graduates in agriculture using a hands-on approach to training.
- Train personnel capable of teaching, conducting relevant research and taking up employment in any aspect of Agricultural Economics across Nigeria.
Equip graduates with the skills to establish and manage their farming enterprises and agribusiness ventures.
Philosophy
The department’s guiding philosophy is to develop globally competitive skilled manpower in Agricultural Economics, leading in academia, research, policy formulation, and all agricultural industry sectors. This philosophy is deeply rooted in fostering human potential and is aligned with a broader mission: establishing a well-structured agricultural ecosystem that delivers sustainable yields across diverse agricultural products. The ultimate goal is to achieve self-sufficiency, not only in food production but also in the cultivation of essential natural resources.
This holistic vision underscores the department’s commitment to nourishing the populace and providing raw materials to sustain society. The department envisions a future where the nation is self-reliant, resilient, and equipped to meet its food, textiles, and other natural resources needs. Recognising the vast agricultural and natural resources within the catchment areas of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, the department strives to be a transformative force, unlocking these resources for the collective welfare of the community and beyond. This transformation is key to sustainable socio-economic growth, positioning agriculture as not just a profession but a driver of economic development, raising living standards, and securing a brighter, more prosperous future.
Vision
The department’s vision is ambitious, aspiring to reach the pinnacle of Agricultural Economics education in the region, setting new standards of excellence and becoming a global reference point. This vision extends beyond local impact; the department aims to be recognised worldwide as a paragon of knowledge and innovation. It is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of well-educated, well-rounded graduates who will be more than just job seekers – they will be job creators and champions of economic transformation. The department is committed to shaping minds, instilling an entrepreneurial spirit, and fostering individuals who will not only join the workforce but lead and inspire it.
Staff List
J.A. Folayan
Rank: Professor
Qualifications: BSc, MSc, PhD
Area of Specialisation: Agricultural Marketing
Email Address: jafolayan@jabu.edu.ng
Phone Number: +2348033569255
S.O.M. Awoniyi
Rank: Associate Professor
Qualifications: BSc, MSc, PhD
Area of Specialisation: Resource Economics and Digital Agriculture
Email Address: sawoniyi@jabu.edu.ng
Phone Number: +2348037181218
A.M. Fasakin
Position: Data Analyst
Qualifications: BSc
Area of Specialisation: Data Science
Email: amfasakin@jabu.edu.ng
Phone Number:
S. Aluko
Position: Foreman
Qualifications: Primary School
Area of Specialisation:
Email: saluko@jabu.edu.ng
Phone Number: +2348104060069
T.G. Apata
Rank: Professor
Qualifications: BTech, MSc, PhD
Area of Specialisation: International Agricultural Development
Email Address: tgapata@jabu.edu.ng
Phone Number: +2348060222394
S. Adewole
Rank: Lecturer II
Qualifications: BSc, MSc, PhD
Area of Specialisation: Food Economics and Policy
Email:
Phone Number:
I.T. Ibidapo
Position: Farm Supervisor
Qualifications: NCE (OSSCOED)
Area of Specialisation: Agric Education
Email: itibidapo@jabu.edu.ng
Phone Number: +2348038167927
O. Orimogunje
Position: Foreman
Qualifications: Primary School
Area of Specialisation:
Email: itibidapo@jabu.edu.ng
Phone Number: +2347036158162