Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension

Academic Excellence & Practical Training

Welcome to the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), a cornerstone of academic excellence and practical training within the Faculty of Agriculture. Established during the 2005/2006 academic session, our department was one of the foundation departments of the then Anambra State University, now COOU. Despite initial challenges—including the relocation of the State College of Agriculture—we have grown and flourished, offering robust educational programs that blend theory with hands-on experience.

Milestones and Achievements

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension was approved at the first meeting of the University Senate on May 16, 2001, to be situated at the Igbariam campus. However, actual academic activities commenced in the 2005/2006 session after resolving impediments such as the relocation of the State College of Agriculture. Starting with only 21 students in March 2006, our enrollment grew to 68 in 2006/2007 and reached 100 in 2007/2008. In 2012, we moved to a state-of-the-art Faculty of Agriculture building complex, equipped with modern facilities, including an audio-visual laboratory.

Leadership and Achievements

Our department has been led by distinguished scholars who have steered our growth:

• Dr. C.O. Uzuegbunam (2005-2010)
• Dr. Uche Okeke (2010-2012)
• Prof. C.O.A. Ugwumba (2012-2014)
• Prof. M.O. Ugbaja (2014-2016, 2020-2024)
• Prof. H.U. Nwalieji (2016-2019)
• Prof. D.O. Enibe (2019-2020)
• Dr. E.C. Nwankwo (2024 – present)

Our achievements include graduating 100 first-class students between 2021 and 2023 and winning accolades in departmental competitions, underscoring our commitment to excellence.

Future Targets

• International Competitions and Fairs: Showcasing our research and innovations on a global stage.
• Expanding Research: Enhancing our R&D efforts to further advance agricultural economics and extension.

Mission and Philosophy

Mission:

Our mission is to play a pivotal role in diversifying Nigeria’s economy by modernizing and sustaining an agribusiness environment that leverages the nation’s natural resources from farm to table. We aim to ensure food sufficiency for Nigeria’s growing population and address the needs of future generations through capacity building, skill development, and research.

Philosophy:

We are dedicated to producing knowledgeable and highly skilled individuals capable of offering expert advice and driving food production and value chain enhancements. Emphasizing effective policy-making, research, and extension linkages, we foster collaborations between farmers and extension specialists to co-produce agricultural knowledge.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Undergraduate Admission:

• O’ Level Credits: A minimum of 5 credits in subjects including Mathematics, English, Agriculture, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics, Geography, Health Science, and Home Economics.
• JAMB Score: A score of at least 200 is required.
• Direct Entry: Candidates must possess ND, HND, or NCE certificates with a minimum of lower credit, plus UME requirements for admission into the 200 level (or advanced level passes in at least two science subjects).

Postgraduate Admission:

• Requirements: A minimum CGPA of 3.0 from a department of Agricultural Economics and Extension or a related field.

Registration Process for New Students:

New students must follow a step-by-step registration process, including generating a remitta for an application form through the university portal (portal.coou.edu.ng), making payment at the bank, and submitting the completed form along with required documents.

Programmes Offered

• B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics and Extension
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Agricultural Economics and Extension
• M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics and Extension
• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and Extension