Our Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology course is designed for students who are passionate about working with people in rural communities to improve their livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
If you want to understand how to communicate new farming ideas, manage rural projects, and promote sustainable development, this programme gives you the skills to make a real difference.
Course Overview
The B.Sc. Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology programme runs for four years (or three years for Direct Entry students). It combines agricultural sciences, communication, sociology, and rural development studies to prepare you for roles in agricultural advisory services, community development, and policy.
You will study topics such as agricultural extension methods, rural sociology, communication and innovation, project planning and evaluation, agricultural administration, and rural development strategies. Practical fieldwork and community engagement are built into the programme, ensuring you graduate with both the knowledge and the hands-on skills needed to address the challenges of rural communities.
By the end of your training, you will be equipped to work as an extension officer, community development manager, agricultural consultant, or to continue into postgraduate studies and research.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum is guided by the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) of the National Universities Commission (NUC). It blends general agricultural training, social sciences, and practical rural engagement.
You begin with courses that introduce you to agriculture and social sciences:
- Principles of Agriculture
- General Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Principles of Economics
- Communication in English
- Nigerian Peoples and Culture
- Introduction to Sociology
At this stage, you start building your foundation in extension and rural sociology:
- Principles of Agricultural Extension
- Rural Sociology
- Agricultural Economics
- Introduction to Soil Science and Crop Production
- Computer Applications in Agriculture
- Statistics for Agricultural Sciences
You gain practical skills in managing agricultural and rural systems:
- Extension Communication and Teaching Methods
- Programme Planning and Evaluation in Extension
- Rural Development and Administration
- Community Development
- Research Methods in Agricultural Extension
- Innovation Diffusion and Adoption
Your final year consolidates your expertise in extension and rural sociology:
- Advanced Rural Sociology
- Extension Organisation and Management
- Agricultural Policy and Development
- Gender Issues in Agriculture and Rural Development
- Entrepreneurship in Rural Communities
- Research Project in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology
Fieldwork and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) are important aspects of the programme, giving you practical experience with farmers, rural institutions, and agricultural agencies.
Entry Requirements
Admission into this programme is through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry:
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme):
- You must have five credit passes at not more than two sittings in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one other subject such as Economics, Geography, or Physics.
- You must sit for the UTME with the correct subject combination: English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one of Mathematics, Physics, or Economics.
- You must also pass the University’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme):
- You may be admitted into 200 Level with passes at the GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) or its equivalent in at least two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, or Agricultural Science.
- Holders of National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or other equivalent qualifications in Agriculture or related disciplines may also be considered, provided they meet the O’Level requirements.
Why study at OOU?
In your final year, you will carry out a supervised research project on Agricultural Extension or Rural Sociology. This project may involve studying rural communities, evaluating extension programmes, analysing adoption of new technologies, or assessing the impact of agricultural policies.
The research project develops your independent research skills, critical thinking, and ability to design and evaluate rural development interventions. It also gives you the opportunity to specialise in an area of personal interest or career relevance while contributing to solutions that benefit rural communities and the agricultural sector.
Research Project
In your final year, you will carry out a supervised research project on Agricultural Extension or Rural Sociology. This project may involve studying rural communities, evaluating extension programmes, analysing the adoption of new technologies, or assessing the impact of agricultural policies.
The research project develops your independent research skills, critical thinking, and ability to design and evaluate rural development interventions. It also gives you the opportunity to specialise in an area of personal interest or career relevance while contributing to solutions that benefit rural communities and the agricultural sector.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, you must:
- Complete a minimum of four academic sessions (or three for Direct Entry students).
- Pass all compulsory and elective courses in agricultural sciences, extension, and rural sociology as prescribed in the curriculum.
- Accumulate the minimum credit units required, including general studies, farm practice, and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
- Undertake and successfully defend a supervised final year research project.
- Maintain good academic standing, discipline, and compliance with University regulations.
Your graduation honours will be determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), which will classify you into First Class, Second Class (Upper or Lower), or Third Class Honours.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology are well-prepared for careers in agricultural development, advisory services, and rural community transformation. Possible roles include:
- Agricultural Extension Officer in government ministries or agricultural agencies.
- Rural Development Specialist or Community Development Manager.
- Programme Officer in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on rural projects.
- Agricultural Policy Analyst.
- Communication and Training Officer in agricultural research institutes.
- Consultant in rural development or agricultural communication.
- Entrepreneur in agricultural consultancy or community-based enterprises.
The course also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in extension, rural development, sociology, or related social sciences.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme):
- Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
- Select Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology as your course of study and choose the University as your first choice.
- Sit for the UTME with the appropriate subject combination: English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and one of Mathematics, Physics, or Economics.
- Apply for and pass the University’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme):
- Apply through JAMB Direct Entry, selecting Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology.
- Provide A-Level passes, National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or other recognised qualifications in Agriculture or related fields.
- Participate in the University’s screening process and upload the required documents.
Course Coordinator
The programme is managed by academic staff in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agricultural Management and Rural Development.
The current programme coordinator is:
Dr [Full Name]
Contact Information:
- Email:
- Phone:
- Office:
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 4 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Faculty = Faculty of Agricultural Management and Rural Development
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus
- Location = Faculty of Agricultural Management and Rural Development
- Scholarship opportunities