The Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF), in collaboration with the Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria (RuSAN), successfully held a pre-conference policy training on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the PiLAF Building, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, as part of activities marking the 34th Annual Congress of RuSAN.

The training brought together over 50 participants, including academics, development practitioners, and stakeholders, to deepen their understanding of evidence-based policymaking and its role in driving agricultural transformation.

The pre-conference training was anchored by Mr. Iredele Ogunbayo, Administrative Manager of PiLAF. Prof. Stella Odebode, the host, welcomed participants, PiLAF staff, and members of the department, emphasizing the importance of the training as a platform to learn how policy can be used as a tool to address and transform pressing societal and agricultural issues.

Mr. Ogunbayo also delivered opening remarks on behalf of Prof. Adegbenga Adekoya, Co-Principal Investigator of PiLAF, and Prof. Grace Adebo, President of RuSAN, underscoring the critical role of informed policy engagement in achieving sustainable development goals.

The training featured three interactive sessions. The first session, facilitated by Dr. Benjamin Oyelami, focused on Enhancing Evidence-Based Research for Policy Influence. He defined policy as a set of guidelines designed to shape actions and described evidence-based policymaking as a systematic approach that integrates sound research evidence into the policy process. His session provided participants with valuable insights into the research dimension of policymaking.

The second session, led by Prof. Kolawole Adebayo, explored the Concept of Policy Space. He explained policy as a deliberate system of guidelines intended to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes, and elaborated on policy cycles, typologies, and key drivers of policy.

The session was highly engaging, allowing participants to ask practical questions and receive clear, thoughtful responses. The third session, delivered by Dr. Sade Taiwo, focused on the Policy Development Process. She began by prompting participants to reflect on questions such as “Where are we? What has been happening? Where are we going? How do we get there?” She went on to discuss the linear model of policy processes, conceptual frameworks, reasons for policy failures, and approaches to policy analysis.

The training was graced by distinguished personalities, including Prof. Janice E. Olawoye, the first female Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and Prof. T. O. Ososanya, the current Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan.

Both professors addressed the participants and expressed their delight in witnessing the annual congress and the capacity-building initiative. Participants were divided into three groups for practical assignments, which they later presented, demonstrating their understanding of the concepts shared during the sessions. This segment was coordinated by Dr. Oyelami and allowed for deeper engagement with real-life policy scenarios.

The pre-conference training concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Oyesola, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 34th Annual RuSAN Congress, and Mr. Ogunbayo, appreciating all facilitators, participants, and partners for their active contributions to the success of the event.

PiLAF is committed to strengthening policy leadership and capacity for evidence-informed decision-making. We remain dedicated to organizing impactful trainings that enlighten stakeholders, bridge the gap between research and policy, and equip individuals and institutions with the knowledge and skills needed to influence transformative agricultural and food security policies in Nigeria and beyond.