ABSTRACT
This study investigates the “Adult education programmes; as a panacea for development in Delta state”: a case study of Sapele Local Government Area . Four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study.
The sample size consist of two hundred and fifty (250) learners from five (5) adult education centre in Sapele local government area of Delta state were drawn using simple random sampling techniques. The questionnaire was the major instrument used for the study and was designed and validated by experts in the department of Adult and Non-formal Education, Faculty of Education University of Benin. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, frequencies counts, and simple percentages.
Findings of the study revealed that the Adult education programmes are used to promote development in Delta state and that is through vocational training programmes, literacy and numeracy programmes, entrepreneurship programmes, skills acquisition programmes, and workers education. Adult education promote development in Delta state and that is through equipping the adults with literacy skills thereby reducing illiteracy rate, entrepreneurship and vocational skills, health education, agricultural education, and workers education. It was also concluded that the identified adult education programmes earmarked by the government for promoting development include; skills acquisition centre, entrepreneurship opportunities, vocational training centre, and distance education. The measures that enhance the effectiveness of the programmes include; flexible timing and locations would enhance the effectiveness of the programmes, designing a curriculum that is tailored to the specific needs of the adult learners. It was further recommended that Adult education programmes should be recognized by the government as a pathway out of Development. Adult education programmes for learners should have flexible timings and locations. Adult education programmes should be more practical than theoretical. Adult education programmes should be made attractive, through adequate funding and proper planning to attract the attention of the adults.
