ADULT EDUCATION AS A KEY FACTOR TO SOCIAL CHANGE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Education is perceived as the most relevant tool or instrument for change, development and progress by all societies. Education remains the most important agent of social conservation and transformation. It is indeed the most significant means by which the experiences, the totality and cultural disposition of all human societies are transmitted from generation to generation. Essentially, the education system of a society evolved from within values, need and aspiration of such society. Adult education in this instance can be explained to mean educational programmes designed for individuals of various ages to enhance their abilities and potentials through diverse modes of formal, informal and non-fonna1 education. This education is based on the peoples’ social, economic, political and cultural needs which further enhance their scope of adapting to societal immediate needs as well as facing future challenge. This study explains that adult education is a need- oriented and learner – centred field that has always been associated with social change. Social change cannot be achieved without reasonable and active involvement of the majority of the populace. This populace which involves adults need to be motivated to participate in adult Education Programmes so as to achieve social change and development. Social change can be achieved when the adult populace is equipped through Adult Education programmes. One of the suggestions is that Adult Educators, facilitators should endeavour to provide learning materials (that is instructional materials) in the learning centres