Adult Education Journal of Educational Thought

EMPOWERING MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION THROUGH DIGITAL LITERACY IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Acha J.O. — 2025-09-30

In order to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty, this investigation explores the potential of digital literacy in empowering underprivileged communities in South-South Nigeria. This work uses a descriptive survey design and included 330 people, including 246 supervisors and 84 directors. Because of the manageable sample size, there was no sampling. The questionnaire was pilot tested which generated a reliability coefficient of 0.84. Three experts validated the instrument for data collection. In addition to collecting personal data, the questionnaire answered the research questions and purpose of the study. Decisions were made based on the actual limitations of mean scores after responses were examined using t-test analysis and descriptive statistics. According to the report, socioeconomic involvement requires a number of digital abilities, including financial literacy, internet search competence, and basic computer operation. It showed how well digital literacy training programs work to give adults the necessary abilities and outlined important ways to incorporate these programmes into larger community development projects. Among the suggestions include investing in digital infrastructure, enhancing collaborations, and growing digital literacy initiatives.

Appraising Kánàkò and Egbé - Traditional Methods of Teleportation for Entrepreneurial Development and Intergenerational Literacy among Hunters in South-West, Nigeria

Anyikwa E.B. — 2025-09-30

In Nigeria, the belief in unconventional methods that others call black magic is high; this has made the use of unconventional methods thrive until now. Two of the unconventional engagements are the collision of time and space (Kánàkò) and teleportation (Egbé). While most people use them for evil purposes, others use them for good ones. The use of Kánàkò and Egbé attests to the fact that they are helpful and can contribute to development in Nigeria. The study, therefore, aims to appraise Kánàkò and Egbé - traditional methods of teleportation for entrepreneurial development and intergenerational literacy among hunters in South-West Nigeria. Six research questions were raised and answered to guide this study. The research study is a qualitative research method that adopts an ethnographic research design. The population of the study comprised all hunters in South-West Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was deployed to select 18 respondents, each from six communities in Oyo, Ogun, and Osun. Recorder, observation, key informant interview, and focus group discussion were used for gathering qualitative data. The analysis of the qualitative data was done using NVivo and content analysis. Findings from the study revealed that egbé and kánàkò can be learned and transferred which can become intergenerational literacy; egbé and kánàkò can be packaged for entrepreneurial development of the hunting profession and the nation at large if they can be curtailed from being abuse; these fortifications can be useful for military and paramilitary if they can keep to the dos and don’ts amongst others. The study concluded that if egbé and kánàkò are possessed and controlled by the right people, it will allow for knowledge production that will be adequately packaged for human comprehension and application, as well as for entrepreneurial development. The study therefore recommends, amongst others that these fortifications should be properly applied, regulated, and protected from public abuse.

CATERING SKILLS ACQUISITION AND YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT REDUCTION AMONG YOUTHS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Theresa Nkim Omang — 2025-09-30

This study examined Catering skills acquisition and Unemployment Reduction among Youths in Cross River State, Nigeria. one hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Literature was reviewed according to the sub-variables under study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 983 youth. A sample of 544 respondents was drawn for the study. The sampling was done through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire “adapted from NDDC (203 youth between 2017 and 2019. Titled vocational skills acquisition and employability of youths (VSAEYQ).” Split-half reliability was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze data in the hypothesis. The hypothesis was subjected to testing at .05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was a significant influence catering skills acquisition on unemployment reduction among youths. It was recommended among others that caterers should be encouraged by government and other agencies in order to boost their productivity and decrease unemployment.

EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP FOR GLOBAL IMPACT

Sheidu K.O. — 2025-09-30

In recent decades, education and management has evolved into a key component of promoting global education reform economic development and social progress. Despite its growing importance, the majority of research has been concentrated in traditionally English-speaking Western societies, leaving behind a significant contribution from non-Western contexts. This study integrates a wide range of literature, examines publication trends, theme focus, methodological approaches, and is based on global best practices, empirical evidences and case studies.It highlights how innovative leadership strategies in adaptability, ethical practice and inclusion can counter complex challenges through globalization, digital transformation and socioeconomic change. By integrating knowledge from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, this study shows that the expansion of traditional research frameworks not only improve student outcomes, teacher quality, and organizational efficiency, but also promotes the justice, justice and sustainable development of international standards. The study finds out that a globally informed, justice-oriented education management system is crucial in guiding political reforms that empower learners to address global challenges actively. This comprehensive understanding of education management is essential to inform learners of effective political reforms that respond to contemporary educational challenges in order to become active global citizens. The study recommends that, leadership models that emphasize ethical conduct, adaptability, and inclusivity into educational leadership development programs should be integrated and global citizenship, sustainability, and social justice principles in curricula and educational management practices should also be embedded to prepare learners for transnational engagement.

EFFICACY OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT TOWARDS ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL EIGHT

Odusanya A.T. — 2025-09-30

The nature of self-employment is such that it enables an adult to live up to financial expectations and ultimately helps survival. Goal 8 2023 depicts Sustainable Development Goal for economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. The study adopted a qualitative approach in order to give an in-depth knowledge of the study. This is so necessary because the misconceptions and prospects of every self-employed vary from one another. The population for the study comprises practicing self-employed individuals who are conveniently selected. A convenient sampling was used to actualize ten (10) respondents who were willing to participate in the study. Semi-structured interview, which accommodates open-ended questions, was employed in the study. The result of the study shows that certain misconceptions, which are; huge capital is needed, it’s a retirement job option, and prospects such as steady growth, profit increase anytime, flexible schedule, and self-induced promotion are prospects that keep the respondents in self-employment. The study concludes that key factors for a successful self-employment venture include focus, consistent traits, the ability to delay gratification, wise spending, accountability, awareness of trends in the business, and above all, stability in meeting customers' demands. The study suggests that the misconception that a large startup capital is necessary should be dispelled, as consistency in regular employment can lead to growth.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS AND LAGOS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY’s COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Olatinwo I.A. — 2025-09-30

The continued presence of inappropriately managed municipal solid waste remains an environmental and social hazard confronting communities and government. Despite collaborative efforts of government agencies and communities, poor disposal and management of Municipal Solid Waste remains a menace to the bedrock of a hygienic community. Hence, this study assessed the collaborative efforts of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the Lagos State waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in enhancing effective waste management in Lagos State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research was employed for this study. 3 research questions were raised and 1 hypothesis was tested using mean scores and regression analysis respectively. The research hypothesis was tested using Regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Multi stage sampling procedure, simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques used. The sample size for this study was 361 participants comprising of CDA members and LAWMA officials. A Self-structured questionnaire with reliability coefficient of r=0.772 was used. The study revealed among others that the collaboration between LAWMA and the CDAs has yielded a slightly moderate result in areas of awareness creation, joint- decision making and monitoring. However, more effort has to be put in the areas relating to compliance and enforcement through rewards and punishment. The study also found out that challenges such as bad road networks, poor attitude to community hygiene and lack of waste infrastructure still affect the waste management practices.

PERCEIVED IMPACT OF EARLY MARRIAGE ON THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL LIFE OF THE GIRL-CHILD: A STUDY OF WOMEN IN GRONG VILLAGE, PANKSHIN, PLATEAU STATE

ZUHUMBEN B.P. — 2025-09-30

Early marriage is a pervasive issue in many parts of Nigeria, including Grong Village in Plateau State, where cultural traditions and economic difficulties contribute to its persistence, significantly impacting girls' education, health, and psychosocial well-being. This study examines the perceived impact of early marriage on the psycho-social life of the girl-child: a study of women in Grong village, Pankshin, Plateau state. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with a sample of 200 women randomly selected from three village clusters. Data were analysed using independent sample t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that women in Grong Village perceived early marriage as having a negative significant impact on girls' education, career opportunities, and overall psychosocial well-being. Disruption of education, low educational attainment, and limited career opportunities were identified as major concerns. No significant differences were found in perceptions based on age or village cluster. Based on the findings, it was recommended to promote girls' education, economic empowerment programmes for girls and their families, community-based interventions to raise awareness about the negative impacts of early marriage need to be carried out.

COMPENSATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ACADEMIC STAFF JOB PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-WESTERN, NIGERIA

Ajayi F.A. — 2025-09-30

Compensation management practices in any organisation is key to the growth and development of organisations. The study investigated how compensation management practices determine academic staff job performance in public and private universities in Southwestern Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Four research questions guided the study, and five research hypotheses were formulated in line with the study objectives. The population comprised 19,898 academic staff in 33 public and private universities in Southwestern Nigeria. The sample of 2,850 academic staff was drawn from the population using multi stage procedure, purposive and stratified sampling techniques. The research instrument was the researcher-designed and validated questionnaire titled Compensation Management Practices and Academic Staff Job Performance Questionnaire (CMPASJPQ). Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) and t-test (t) statistics were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study showed amongst others that there was a significant difference in the way academic staff perform their job in relation to (research and community services) in public and private universities in Southwestern Nigeria; direct compensation management (characterized by salaries, bonuses, medical allowance, annual leave allowance, travel allowance and housing allowance) and academic staff job performance in public and private universities in Southwestern, Nigeria was significantly related. Consequently, appropriately recommendations were made.

IMPACT OF COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY EDUCATION ON RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Ekujumi F. — 2025-09-30

This study examined the impact of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) on risky sexual behaviour among senior secondary school students in Lagos State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test non-equivalent group design was employed. The population consisted of all senior secondary school students in Lagos State, with SS2 students serving as the target population. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 138 students, randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The Sexual Risk Survey (SRS) and the self-constructed Risky Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) were used for data collection. The instruments were validated through expert judgment, and reliability testing yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.88. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were upheld. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments, and hypotheses were tested using ANCOVA at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed a significant impact of CSE on reducing risky sexual behaviour among students (F = 170.01, p < 0.05), indicating lower risky sexual behaviour scores in the experimental group. There was no significant interaction between gender and CSE (F = 0.49, p > 0.05), suggesting that CSE benefits both male and female students equally. However, a significant interaction was found between age and CSE (F = 5.52, p < 0.05), indicating that CSE effectiveness varies with age. The study concludes that CSE is essential in reducing risky sexual behaviour among adolescents and recommends its integration into the school curriculum, the adoption of age-appropriate teaching strategies, and the implementation of gender-inclusive programmes.

DYNAMICS OF ADULT LITERACY FOR CURBING EXCESSIVE DIGITAL SOCIAL MEDIA USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING

Ajayi R.A. — 2025-09-30

Excessive digital social media among contemporary teenagers has become a hydra-headed monster, leading to social isolation, anxiety, depression, phubbing, and low academic performance. This study investigated the dynamics of adult literacy in curbing excessive digital social media use among young university adults in Epe district, Lagos State. The objective is to explore how the dynamics of adult literacy can be utilised as an effective major instrument for curbing students’ misuse and excessive use of digital devices. The study adopted an experimental research design comprising experimental and control groups. The former was given adult literacy education while the latter was not. SPSS 21.0 version was used to compare the before and after excessive digital social media use, social isolation, and phubbing analysis. Also t-test was conducted to compare the differences. Results indicated that the average exccesive digital social media use and social isolation scores of the experimental and control group showed t=4,56, p=0.002 and t-1.24, p=.321 respectively for social isolation and phubbing. This study hence showed that adult literacy education can be effective for curbing excessive social media use. The research thus contributes to the growing body of knowledge by integrating the dynamics of adult literacy into a cohesive framework that has practical implications for psychologists, educators, and policymakers. These are significant as they offer actionable insights for developing targeted adult literacy intervention programmes to support young adults in navigating the digital age. Finally, recommendations aimed at optimizing the benefits of technology while minimizing its negative impacts on the younger generation were offered, thus fulfilling the study's objectives and providing a basis for future policy and educational strategies.

EFFECTS OF HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF OLDER PERSONS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL RELATIONSHIP STUDY

Chukwukere C.G. — 2025-09-30

The global population of older adults is increasing, with Nigeria experiencing a similar trend, yet health support services remain inadequate, particularly in urban areas across Nigeria. This study examined the relationship between health support services and the psychological well-being of older persons in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using Ryff's multidimensional paradigm, the six dimensions of psychological well-being autonomy, environmental mastery, personal development, positive relationships, purpose in life, and self-acceptance were examined. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 older persons (65 years of age and older). Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire that assessed access to critical health support services, such as advocacy, mobility assistance, medication management, nutrition, medical social services, emotional support, and respite care. Multiple regression analysis was implemented to identify the factors that most significantly predicted psychological well-being. Findings from the study showed that psychological well-being was significantly influenced by access to healthcare, mobility assistance, and emotional support. Emotional support proved to be the most significant factor, emphasising the necessity of social and emotional support to older persons' psychological well-being. Other services, such as medication management and nutrition, exhibited moderate but significant influence. The study concluded that the accessibility and availability of comprehensive health support services significantly influence the psychological well-being of older persons. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers, particularly those in government and healthcare organizations, prioritize the development of healthcare systems that are accessible and appropriate for the older population, as well as mobility infrastructure and emotional support.

GERIATRIC HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA: AVAILABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND GAPS IN PORT HARCOURT GERIATRIC HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA: AVAILABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND GAPS IN PORT HARCOURT

Uzor-Isiugo C. — 2025-09-30

The rapid growth of the elderly population in Nigeria presents new challenges for health and social care systems that are historically underprepared for geriatric needs. This article investigates the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of geriatric healthcare for older adults in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Drawing on a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 518 elderly participants (60 years and above) through structured questionnaires, focus groups, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative insights highlighted structural and cultural barriers. Results revealed that more than 60% of respondents reported unmet healthcare needs, primarily due to financial barriers, poor infrastructure, and insufficient geriatric-trained personnel. Despite these challenges, a moderate positive correlation was observed between service utilization and psychological well-being. The study concludes that gaps in geriatric healthcare in Nigeria reflect broader systemic weaknesses but also opportunities for reform. Recommendations include integrating geriatric care into primary healthcare, expanding mobile clinics, and strengthening policy frameworks to ensure equity and sustainability.

Examining the Place of Adult Education in Nigeria’s Digital Literacy Policies

Ahinaje Taiwo — 2025-09-30

In an attempt to unravel the recognition given to Adult Education (AE) in Nigeria’s digital literacy policies, this work took a deep look into three vital or legal national documents – the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Policy on Education (2013), and the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC) Act (1990) – to reveal their positions or provisions on AE. However, the major task was to trawl through four policy documents, namely, the National Digital Learning Policy (2023), the National Digital Literacy Framework (2023), the National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy (2012), and the National Policy on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Education (2019) to establish if appreciable provisions or considerations are given to AE. While the vital or legal documents truly serve as the primary sources of existence for AE based on their relevant provisions, the four digital literacy policies examined, although they have substantial provisions for education at various levels, they have no clear-cut or sufficient provisions for Adult Education. It was also revealed that there was no proper coordination or collaboration among the federal ministries in formulating digital literacy policies. This paper recommendation recommended adequate, clear and comprehensive provisions for AE in future or revised digital literacy policies; federal ministries and agencies should work towards a harmonised version of digital literacy policy documents; and the federal government should rather partner or collaborate with the state governments to formulate and implement nation-wide initiatives to ensure such programmes reach the target or grass-root beneficiaries and the impacts are felt bottom-up.

Socio-Cultural Determinants of Quality of Life among Families in Lagos State, Nigeria

Keshinro O.A. — 2025-09-30

This study is based on culture-related factors that contribute to living in Nigeria. Nigeria is a nation characterized by extensive socio-economic inequalities and culture-rooted conventions. The study is based on such theoretical concepts as so-called Social Action Theory in relation to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in analyzing various critical issues such as how family size functions, rituals of marriage, preferences based on gender, and socio-economic status which play a role in living. This research employs a qualitative research approach to explore gender preferences, marriage practices and family size in relation to quality of life among families. Three research objectives and four research questions guided the study. The findings made point towards traditional practices such as a large number of children, an early marriage, and gender biases being factors which enhance poverty levels and make medical care, education, and shelter more limited and harder to achieve. This study concludes it is of paramount importance to incorporate culturally oriented strategies in such areas as policy-making, education, and community engagement in addressing such concerns in an appropriate manner. It recommends that through supporting family planning, supporting equality of gender, and supporting empowerment, Nigeria can make actual progress in improving living for its citizens and in the direction of fulfilling such Sustainable Development Goals which are traditionally known as SDGs.