Abstract:
Extension agents have been described as essential backbones for extension
services. The efficiency of the activities of extension agents as multi-purpose staff is determined
by the quality of the training received. In other words, for extension agents to excel in service
delivery opportunities must be given for training and retraining in the current trends and issues
experientially in extension work. It is against this background that this paper proposes the kind
and the nature of training for Nigerian extension workers. To this end, the paper examines the
nature of extension work, role and qualities of extension agents, overview of extension agents
training in Nigeria with a view to determining the kind of training that will facilitate their work
as multi-purpose change agents. The paper concludes that curriculum of Adult and Non-formal
Education in Nigerian higher institution of learning should reflect current trends in extension
services and be made relevant to the real life situation to enable extension agents discharge
their responsibilities as multi-purpose workers. Also opportunities for retraining through
seminars, conferences, workshops, etc should be made available to practising extension
workers
