ADULT BASIC EDUCATION IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

MATHIAS ABOKI SAMU, Fordham University

Abstract

This study is an exploratory-descriptive one to examine adult basic education in Plateau State, Nigeria. The study examines pertinent Plateau State documents and interviews 130 central and local level adult education leaders associated with both the Plateau State government and the Catholic Church. These include: five Area Inspectors; five Supervisors; 42 Organizers; 70 Instructors; five Catechists; the Chief Inspector for Formal and Non-formal Education; the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education; and the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Jos. The major findings and conclusions drawn from this study are: (1) The Plateau State Government has an impressive plan and strategy to combat adult illiteracy. However, it was found that if the 1977 national policy is to be implemented more funds, and better leadership, administration and supervision of programs are essential. (2) There have been dramatic increases in enrollment in all the 14 local governments of Plateau State. At least fifty percent of those enrolled complete the program and pass the examination. (3) While Plateau State has instituted new salary structures for adult education personnel there is still general dissatisfaction with the low salaries, lack of opportunity for additional training, and poor conditions of services. (4) It is believed that the mammoth task of adult education would be more effective if there is a better partnership between Church and State while respecting the Church's right to include religious instruction in their programs. The major recommendation of this study is that the elimination of illiteracy should be a long term project. In liaison with economic, social and cultural planning, there should exist funded long-range and more specific three year plans for adult education in Plateau State giving precise goals and the means for achieving them. These should take into account the differences between the various local governments in Plateau State.

Subject Area

School administration

Recommended Citation

SAMU, MATHIAS ABOKI, "ADULT BASIC EDUCATION IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA" (1983). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI8308492.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI8308492

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