By; Opeyemi Olawore
The former Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora and the former Acting Provost, College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale has called for a renewed commitment among rural sociologists, extension professionals, and development practitioners to research, policy engagement, and grassroots empowerment in the face of the changing realities of climate, conflict, and food systems.
Prof. Gbemiga Adewale made this call during his investiture as a Fellow of the Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria in Ibadan, describing the occasion as a reminder of the mission of RuSAN, which is, to strengthen the sociological understanding of rural communities and promote inclusive rural development, while stressing that the mission is more urgent than ever.
The Rural Sociological Association on the day, honoured five renowned Scholars, namely; Prof. Janice Olawoye, Prof. Francis Kuponiyi, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo, Prof. Olutokunbo Oyesola and Prof. Gbemiga Adewale.
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In his acceptance speech, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale expressed gratitude to the President and Executive Members of RuSAN for considering him and other distinguished scholars for the honour as Fellow of the Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria.
Prof. Adewale noted that he accepted the Fellowship with a renewed pledge to contribute more actively to the growth of the Association, mentor the younger generation of scholars, and continue in advocating for policies and practices that improve the lives of rural people in Nigeria.
According to him, “. This moment is both humbling and fulfilling, as it marks not just a personal milestone but also a celebration of collective dedication to rural development, agricultural transformation, and social change in Nigeria, as I stand before you today to accept the honour of being conferred as a Fellow of the Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria (RuSAN).”
“I give glory to Almighty God for granting me the grace, health, and strength to contribute in my own little way to the advancement of knowledge and service to humanity.
“I sincerely appreciate the leadership of RuSAN for recognizing me with this prestigious award. The honour of Fellowship is not merely an award; it is a call to higher responsibility, a reminder that our nation still depends on our collective expertise to address the pressing challenges of rural poverty, food insecurity, and sustainable livelihoods.
“I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to the past and present administrations of Oyo State, the LAUTECH Governing Council, and the successive Management Committees of LAUTECH for providing numerous opportunities that have enabled me to contribute meaningfully to scholarship and community service.
“Permit me to acknowledge the unwavering support of my colleagues and students at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. Their collaboration, encouragement, and shared vision have been instrumental in my academic journey. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my mentors and senior colleagues who have guided and inspired me over the years.
“To my family, my source of strength and inspiration, thank you for your patience, sacrifices, and unending prayers. You have been my constant support system through the many seasons of academic pursuit and professional service.”
Prof. Gbemiga Adewale was born on 2nd May, 1961.
He obtained his Bachelor of Agric. at the University of Nigeria NsukKa in 1985 and Master of Science at the University of Ibadan in 1994 and bagged Doctoral Degree, PhD in 1999.
He joined the services of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in 1994 as an Assistant Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, where he rose to the position of a Professor in 2007.
At the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, he was former Acting Head of Department and Acting Provost, College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources between 2021-2024.
In 2022, he was Guest Lecturer to the National University of Lesotho and outside the shores of LAUTECH, Prof. Adewale has contributed to national and community development by serving as Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture & Technology, Igbo-Ora between 2011 and 2019 with a key role in transforming the former Monotechnic into a Polytechnic and got it listed as a TETFund beneficiary and the institution was equally a Service Provider on Fadama Development Project Phase II in 2006 and Cassava Adding Value for Africa Phase I & II.
Prof. Adewale has supervised over 85 undergraduate projects, 11 M.Sc. theses, 8 Ph.D./M.Phil. dissertations, where six of his former students are now Professors and one Reader.
He was the 28th Inaugural Lecturer at LAUTECH and has published over 50 scholarly articles.
Prof. Adewale serves as External Examiner/Assessor to Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State and Njala University, Sierra Leone.
Prof. Adewale is Member, Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria (RuSAN) since 1996, Financial Secretary, RuSAN 2000–2005, Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, RuSAN 2003 Annual Congress, Member, Rural Sociological Society, USA, Member, International Association of Agricultural Extension.
He is married to Deac. Elizabeth Bosede Adewale.