THE INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ON PARTICIPATION IN ADULT LITERACY PROGRAMMES

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the Influence of Covid-19 Lockdown on Participation in Adult Literacy Programmes in Egor local government area of Edo state. Three (3) research questions were raised guide the study. A sample of one hundred (100) adult learners from the adult literacy center in Egor local government of Edo state through 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. To determine the reliability of the instrument, the test-re-test procedure was adopted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, frequencies counts, simple percentages, and mean score analysis. The study reveals that the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic on adult literacy programmes and the various barriers that hinder adult learners engagements in online education for continued learning during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings further shows that learning activities were badly affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Some of the identified effects include; learning disruption, learners 12 concentration and interest in learning activities, withdrawal from literacy programmes, limited access to learning facilities, poor academic performances and achievements. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made for the study: Literacy organisers and facilitators should endeavor to incorporate and priorities the use of ICT to mediate teaching and learning process as ICT use have the potentials to elicit and sustain adult learners’ interest in literacy programmes and thus reduce the level of drop-out usually witnessed in adult literacy programme.