THE IMPACT OF ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to investigate the impact of adult education programmes in poverty alleviation in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose intended for the study, four research questions were raised to guide the study. The questions raised and examined include: What are the causes of poverty among residence in Egor Local government Area of Edo State? What are the various adult education programme available in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State?In what ways has adult education programme contributed to poverty alleviation in Egor Local government Area of Edo State? What are the challenges 12 confronting adult education programme in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State? Descriptive survey research design was employed for this study. A total of two hundred (200) respondents from the Department of Adult and Non-formal Education, University of Benin, Benin City were selected using a multi-stage sampling techniques which constituted the sample for the study and was used to generate the data needed. The reliability index of the instrument was 0.79 using the Person product-moment statistical formula from data from the pilot study carried out on it. The data collected were analysed using frequency count, simple percentage, and mean score standard.Findings of this study revealed little or no access to livelihoods or jobs, laziness to engage in entrepreneurial activities, lack of access to lands and resources and political instability are the causes of poverty among residence in Egor Local government Area of Edo State. Basic literacy, Health education, Vocational education, Community development and Women education programmes are the various adult education programme available in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The ways adult education programme has contributed to poverty alleviation in Egor Local government Area of Edo State is by Equipping people to become productive wage-earners. It was recommended that government should further invest in adult education programmes as it has proven to be essential for adult learner’s development in the area of career and working professionals. Secondly, since it has been confirmed by the study that Lack of funding and social amenities, is inadequate facilities and equipment for teaching/ learning, Choice of location of business.