A THEORETICAL BASIS FOR ANALYSIS OF ADULT EDUCATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. A REVIEW OF ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF EASTERN NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study had the following purposes:1to develop a conceptual scheme for viewing adult education in a developing country such as Nigeria;2.to employ the scheme in analyzing the county council sponsored adult education program in thirty-four rural communities in Eastern Nigeria;3.to make, on the basis of this analysis, suggestions and recommendations for expanding and strengthening the programs in these communities. Methodology and Conduct of the Study The conceptual scheme of adult education programs for rural Eastern Nigeria was conceived first through establishing a rationale for using the areas of development (social, economic, political and individual) as the theoretical focus to be followed. Criteria for an adequate program were developed through a synthesis of existing models reported in the literature. Next, attributes of adult education programs for developing nations were identified from the reviewed literature and the model program recommended by the UNESCO world conference on adult education