ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF ADULT EDUCATION IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study assessed the role of adult education in human resource development in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives were to ascertain the extent adult education programmes made participants more resourceful; determined the attitude of adult learners to adult education and training programmes in Abia State, examined the level of participation of respondents in the adult education programmes, and determined the constraints faced by adult learners in adult education programmes in the state and also if there is a significant relationship between human capacity developed and level of participation in adult education and learning programmes. A total of 60 respondents were purposively sampled from two active centres in the major towns of Aba and Umuahia who are adult learners. Data generated were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that such capacities has improved reading skills with a mean score of 3.23 improved writing skills, improved communications skill, and enhanced management skills were capacities respondents agreed to have been largely developed by the programme. Result also showed that respondents had positive attitudes towards adult literacy programme in the state. Participation was high However, Unconducive learning environment , Incompetent facilitators , and inconsistent learning periods  were considered as severe constraints to adult education  among the respondents. A t-ratio which was significant at 5% probability level showed that participation in adult literacy programme was positively related to the attitude of the respondents to adult learning. The study therefore recommends increased awareness and mobilization of more adult facilitators and provision of conducive learning environment with needed facilities.