FUNDING A BANE FOR ADULT AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES FOR ACCESS AND QUALITY

Muhammad Shehu Hussain, Ph.D

Abstract

The paper examined the funding a bane of adult and non-formal education in Nigeria: challenges and prospects. The concept of adult education was discussed and programmes of adult and non- formal education were highlighted.  The main objectives of funding in adult and non-formal education which include amongst others to: provide access and equal opportunities for Nigerians to acquire education irrespective of social, cultural, economic and religious differences; ensure adequate investment in education that would facilitate acceleration of national development. The paper went ahead to explain the main sources of funding of adult and non-formal education which includes federal, state local governments amongst others. Issues and challenges in funding were discussed which include poor payment of facilitators; lack of adequate instructional materials; poor or inadequate monitoring and evaluation of programmes amongst others. The paper went ahead and highlighted the implication for access and quality. The paper concludes that proper funding of adult and non-formal education will help in solving the perennial challenges confronting the corporate existence of the country.  Lastly the recommends that allocation of 2% of the consolidated revenue to adult and non-formal education; allocation of 10% of the entire basic education budgets of the states and 5% of the local governments; and also 25% of the education development levies as charged by states and local governments to adult and non-formal education.