Perception of Agricultural Extension Lecturers on Process Skills and Competency Curriculum for Teaching Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities

Authors

  • Agwu Ekwe Agwu University of Nigeria Nsukka
  • Ifeoma Anugwa University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Mabel Dimelu University of Nigeria Nsukka
  • Chidimma Igboeli University of Nigeria Nsukka
  • Precious Arigbo
  • Stephen Ndili University of Nigeria Nsukka
  • oluwole Akinnagbe Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria
  • Clara Chinwoke-Obi University of Portharcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • Patrick Ajieh Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
  • Ladi Yakubu Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, State, Nigeria
  • Patrick Adejo Prince Abubakar Audu University, Kogi State, Nigeria
  • Shettima Mustapha

Keywords:

Agricultural extension lecturers, Competency, Process skills

Abstract

This study examined the perception of agricultural extension lecturers on the process skills and competency areas for teaching undergraduate students in Nigerian universities.  It employed a quantitative approach, utilizing an online survey to achieve its research objectives. A total of two hundred and fifty-one (251) respondents completed the online survey. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test were used to present findings. Results of the study revealed that the agricultural extension lecturers recognise the high importance of all the process skills and competencies, as mean scores in all domains exceeded the study’s benchmark of M = 3.0. The process skills and competency areas were program planning, program implementation, program evaluation, education and information technology, diversity, technical subject matter, and personal and professional development. A substantial (65.7%) number of the respondents regarded mentorship programs offered to junior academic staff as the most appropriate approach for enhancing lecturers’ capacity in teaching these process skills and competency areas. Hence, institutions should promote mentorship programs where senior extension lecturers coach junior staff on teaching competencies, program design, and stakeholder engagement. This ensures consistent knowledge transfer and professional growth.

References

Adeyemo, J. T., Ahmed, A., Abaver, D. T., Riyadh, H. A., Tabash, M. I., & Lawal, A. I. (2024). Technological innovation and agricultural productivity in Nigeria amidst oil transition: ARDL analysis. Economies, 12(9), 253.

Agwu, A.E., Dimelu, M.U., Anugwa, I.Q., Ifeonu, C.F., Liverpool?Tasie, L.S.O., Tchuwa, F., Chanza, C., Suvedi, M., and Sasidhar, P.V.K. (2023). Strengthening agricultural extension training: process skills and competency gaps in undergraduate agricultural extension curriculum in Nigeria. Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Research Report. East Lansing, Michigan, USA: Alliance for African Partnership, Michigan State University. Retrieved from: https://aap.isp.msu.edu/files/4616/8372/9065/2._Nigeria_Country_Report_-_Strengthening_Agricultural_Extension_Training_-_Process_Skills_and_Competency_Gaps_in_Undergradaute_Agricultural_Extension_Curriculum_in_Nigeria.pdf

Ajayi, M. T., Ogunlade, I., & Ayinde, A. F. (2021). Ethics in agricultural extension and advisory services: Perspectives from Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Rural Sociology, 21(1), 1–8.

Antonietti, C., Cattaneo, A., & Amenduni, F. (2022). Can teachers’ digital competence influence technology acceptance in vocational education? Computers in Human Behavior, 132, 107266.

Aregaw, Y. G., Endris, E. A., & Bojago, E. (2023). Factors affecting the competence level of agricultural Extension agents: A comprehensive analysis of core competencies in Northwestern Ethiopia. Education Research International, 2023(1), 7928467.

Ayeni, M. D., Adewumi, M. O., Bello, M. A., AdiAdi, K. F., & Osungade, A. A. (2023). Effects of rabbit production on income and livelihood of rural households in Nigeria. Heliyon, 9(8).

Bishnoi, S., Pal, A., & Shravani, K. (2024). Higher agricultural education: An exploratory study on skill gap of students. Archives of Current Research International, 24(10), 99-109.

Davis, K. E., Makhija, S., & Spielman, D. J. (2021). Agricultural extension and rural advisory services: What have we learned? What’s next? International Food Policy Research Institute: Washington D.C.

Dimelu, M.U., Von Maltitz, L., Najjingo Mangheni, M., Suvedi, M., Agwu, A.E., Chanza, C., Sasidhar, P.V.K., Oywaya-Nkurumwa, A., Ifeonu, C.F., Davis, K., Anugwa, I.Q., Liverpool?Tasie, L.S.O., Tchuwa, F., & Elapata, M.S. (2023). Process Skills and Competency Gaps in Undergraduate Agricultural Extension Curriculum in Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya. Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Grant Report. East Lansing, Michigan, USA: Alliance for African Partnership, Michigan State University. Retrieved from: https://aap.isp.msu.edu/files/6816/8372/9320/9._Process_Skills_and_Competency_Gaps_in__Undergraduate_Agricultural_Extension_Curriculum_in_Nigeria_Malawi_South_Africa_Uganda_and_Kenya.pdf

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (2023). Improving the relevance and effectiveness of agricultural extension activities for women farmers. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/4/V4805E/v4805e05.htm

Fawowe, B. (2020). The effects of financial inclusion on agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Journal of Economics and Development, 22 (1), 61 – 79.

Franz, N. K., & Piercy, F. P. (2020). Identifying and addressing learner needs in extension education. Journal of Extension, 58(4), Article v58-4tt1. https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol58/iss4/1/

Halbritter, A., Wallau, M., Benge, M., & Mackowiak, C. (2021). Identifying important skills and competencies needed for new Florida agriculture extension agents. Advancements in Agricultural Development, 2(3), 61-71.

Harry, A., & Abudu, S. (2022). Challenges of effective agricultural extension service delivery in Nigeria. Bush Wealth Academic Journal, 1(1). Retrieved from https://bwjournal.org/index.php/bsjournal/article/view/174

Hawkins, R., & Sobukola, O. (2020). Insight into agricultural education in Nigeria: a scoping study to identify potential areas of NL support. Publication of Netherlands Enterprise Agency Prinses Beatrixlaan, 24-78.

Ifeanyi-Obi, C. C., & Corbon, B. L. (2023). Utilization of digital tools in extension service delivery amongst extension agents in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 27(4), 67-76.

Ikuemonisan, E. S. (2024). Challenges and strategies in Nigerian agribusiness entrepreneurship for sustainable development. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 5(1), 115.

Izuogu, C. U., Njoku, L. C., Olaolu, M. O., Kadurumba, P. C., Azuamairo, G. C., & Agou, G. D. (2023). A review of the digitalization of agriculture in Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 27(2), 47-64.

Kassem, H., & Abdullah, F. A. (2021). Professional competencies required for agricultural extension agents under climate change challenges. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 25(1), 74–86. https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v25i1.7

Kaslon, L., Conner, N. W., Mthinda, C., Kaluzi, L., & Moore, A. (2025). Perceptions of agricultural extension practitioners after undergoing andragogical training in Malawi. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 13(1), 6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55533/2325-5226.1446

Kristjanson, P., Waters-Bayer, A., Johnson, N., Tipilda, A., Njuki, J., Baltenweck, I., ... & MacMillan, S. (2020). Livestock and women’s livelihoods: A review of the recent evidence. Journal of Development Studies, 56(2), 166–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2019.1687870

Mabaya, E., Minde, I. J., & Kansiime, M. K. (2021). The future of agricultural extension in Africa: Smart technologies and institutional innovations. Outlook on Agriculture, 50(1), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.1177/0030727020982520

Mbo’o-Tchouawou, M., & Colverson, K. (2020). Mainstreaming gender and nutrition into agricultural extension programs: Lessons from East and West Africa. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 20(2), 15994–16016.

Musinguzi, B., Okoboi, G., & Sserunkuuma, D. (2022). Addressing the gender gap in agricultural extension and advisory services: Lessons from Uganda. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 28(1), 93–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1969086

National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, (2024). Nigerian gross domestic product report Q2 2024. National Bureau of Statistics, Abuja: Nigeria, August 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/1241549

Rivera, W. M., & Alex, G. (2020). Extension reform for rural development. The World Bank Agriculture and Rural Development Discussion Paper, No. 7. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-0-8213-7282-3

Suvedi, M., Sasidhar, P.V.K., Agwu, A.E., Chanza, C., Dimelu, M.U., Liverpool-Tasie, L.S.O., Anugwa, I.Q., Tchuwa, F., Davis, K., Najjingo Mangheni, M., Oywaya- Nkurumwa, A., von Maltiz, L., Ifeonu, C.F., & Elapata, M.S. (2023). Strengthening agricultural extension training in Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya. Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Research Report. East Lansing, Michigan, USA: Alliance for African Partnership, Michigan State University. Retrieved from: https://aap.isp.msu.edu/files/2416/8614/6487/Strengthening_Agricultural_Extension_Training_in_Nigeria_Malawi_South_Africa_Ugandaand_Kenya_-_Overall_PIRA_Research_Report.pdf

Tran, T. A., & Touch, V. (2024). How agricultural extension responds to amplified agrarian transitions in mainland Southeast Asia: experts’ reflections. Agriculture and Human Values, 41(4), 1773-1789.

Van Niekerk, J. A., Von Maltitz, L., & Davis, K. (2022). Investigating process skills and competency gaps in undergraduate agricultural extension curriculum in selected South African Universities. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 50(2), 57-80.

Downloads

Published

2025-10-26

How to Cite

Ekwe Agwu, A., Anugwa, I., Dimelu, M., Igboeli, C., Arigbo, P., Ndili, S. ., Akinnagbe, oluwole, Chinwoke-Obi, C., Ajieh, P., Yakubu, L., Adejo, P., & Mustapha, S. (2025). Perception of Agricultural Extension Lecturers on Process Skills and Competency Curriculum for Teaching Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 29(4), 78=99. Retrieved from https://journal.aesonnigeria.org/index.php/jae/article/view/5707

Issue

Section

General Extension and Teaching Methods