NATIONAL
TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE, KADUNA
COURSE
TITLE: ADULT AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION
COURSE
CODE: (PGD 721)
PRESENTED
By
SALAU
RAHEEM
REGISTRATION
NO: NTI/PGDE/2025/0300
PHONE:
NUMBER: 07039762488
LEVEL 1,
SECOND SEMESTER
COURSE OF
STUDY: POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION
SEPTEMBER,
2025
Assignment (Ass:)
1a. Define adult education in your own words.
1b. Briefly distinguish between formal,
non-formal, and informal education.
2a. Discuss at least three methods used in
traditional adult education.
2b. Explain the most important contribution
of Shehu Usman dan Fodio in Nigeria.
3. Discuss the role of the government in
financing and equipping non-formal education in Nigeria.
ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS
1a. Definition of
Adult Education
Adult education refers to any form
of learning activity or program designed for adults who wish to acquire new
knowledge, develop skills, or improve their level of education. It provides a
second chance for individuals who missed formal schooling during their
childhood or who want to continue learning later in life. Adult education aims
to help people read and write (basic literacy), learn vocational or
professional skills, and become more productive citizens. It plays a vital role
in national development by reducing illiteracy, improving job performance, and
promoting community participation.
1b. Distinction between
Formal, Non-formal, and Informal Education
Education can be classified into
three main types: Formal, Non-formal,
and Informal education.
Formal education is the structured type of learning that takes place in
organized institutions like schools, colleges, and universities. It follows a
planned curriculum, uses trained teachers, and ends with certificates or
qualifications such as diplomas or degrees. For example, the education children
receive in primary or secondary school is formal education.
Examples include:
1.
Primary school education
2.
Secondary school education
3.
University or polytechnic programs
4.
Technical colleges
5. Teachers’ training colleges
Non-formal education, on the other hand, refers to
organized learning activities outside the formal school system. It is flexible
and often targets specific groups such as adults, artisans, or workers who want
to gain literacy, technical, or vocational skills. Examples include adult
literacy programs, evening classes, and vocational training centers.
Examples include:
1.
Adult literacy classes
2.
Evening or weekend classes
3.
Vocational training centers
4.
Apprenticeship programs
5. Community development workshops
Informal education is the type of learning that
happens naturally in daily life through family, work, social interaction,
media, or personal experiences. It does not follow a set timetable or
curriculum and does not usually lead to certification. For instance, a person
may learn how to farm, cook, or speak a language by observing others or through
practice.
Examples include:
1.
Learning to cook from parents
2.
Learning a language by listening
3.
Gaining farming knowledge from elders
4.
Watching videos to learn a skill
5. Learning moral lessons through stories or songs
2a. Methods Used
in Traditional Adult Education
Before the introduction of Western
education, traditional African societies had their own ways of teaching adults
important knowledge and values. These methods were practical and
community-based. One common method was apprenticeship, where adults
learned trades or crafts by working under skilled masters, such as blacksmiths,
carpenters, or weavers. Another method was storytelling, which was used
to pass on history, moral lessons, and cultural values from one generation to
another. Observation and imitation also played a big role, as adults
learned by watching others perform certain tasks and then practicing them. In
addition, participation in festivals, ceremonies, and communal activities
helped adults learn leadership, discipline, and cooperation. Finally, group
discussions and councils were used to educate adults about community
decisions, laws, and traditions. These methods made learning continuous and
relevant to everyday life.
Five major methods of traditional adult
education are:
1.
Apprenticeship: Adults learned trades such as
blacksmithing, carpentry, weaving, and pottery by working under a master
craftsman.
2.
Storytelling: Elders told stories that passed moral
lessons, history, and cultural values to younger adults.
3.
Observation and Imitation: Adults learned by watching others
perform tasks like hunting, farming, or cooking, and then practicing them.
4.
Participation in Ceremonies and
Festivals:
During traditional events, adults learned leadership roles, customs, and
community values.
5.
Group Discussions and Councils: Village meetings were used to teach
decision-making, conflict resolution, and social responsibility.
These methods ensured that adults learned important life skills and moral values needed for responsible living in their communities.
2b. The Most
Important Contribution of Shehu Usman dan Fodio in Nigeria
Shehu Usman dan Fodio was a great
Islamic scholar, teacher, and reformer who made significant contributions to
education in Nigeria, especially in the northern region. His most important
contribution was the promotion of Islamic education and literacy among both men
and women. He established Quranic schools that taught not only religion but
also reading, writing, and moral discipline. He believed that education should
be for all, regardless of gender, and encouraged his daughter, Nana Asma’u, to
educate women. This movement helped spread knowledge, reduced ignorance, and
strengthened moral values in society. Through his leadership, Shehu Usman dan
Fodio inspired a culture of learning that continues to influence northern
Nigeria today.
Five important
contributions include:
1. Promotion
of Islamic Education: He encouraged learning based on Islamic principles and established Quranic
schools.
2. Literacy
Development: He
taught reading and writing in Arabic and promoted knowledge among the people.
3. Encouragement
of Female Education: He supported women’s education and inspired his daughter, Nana Asma’u, to teach other women.
4. Establishment
of Educational Centers: He built schools and centers that spread across northern Nigeria.
5. Moral
and Religious Reformation: He emphasized discipline, honesty, and justice through education.
His movement led to the spread of literacy, morality, and social development across the Hausa and Fulani regions.
3. The Role of
Government in Financing and Equipping Non-Formal Education in Nigeria
The Nigerian government plays an
important role in promoting and supporting non-formal education. One of its key
roles is financing educational programs such as adult literacy and
skill-acquisition centers. The government allocates funds through agencies like
the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education
(NMEC). Another important role is policy formulation, where the
government creates guidelines and plans to ensure that adult education is
available, affordable, and effective.
The government also provides facilities
and learning materials, such as classrooms, chairs, textbooks, and teaching
aids, to enhance the learning process. Additionally, it supports the training
and employment of qualified adult educators, who are equipped to handle the
unique learning needs of adults. Finally, the government often partners with
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies to
implement literacy campaigns and community-based education projects. Through
these efforts, the government helps to reduce illiteracy, improve
employability, and promote lifelong learning across the country.
Five
key roles include:
1.
Funding and
Budget Allocation: The government provides money for adult literacy
centers and vocational training programs through agencies like NMEC (National
Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education).
2.
Policy
Formulation: It creates policies that guide how adult education is
organized and managed across the country.
3.
Provision of
Facilities and Equipment: The government builds learning centers and
provides materials such as books, chairs, and writing tools.
4.
Training of Instructors:
It trains and employs adult educators to teach effectively.
5.
Partnership with
NGOs and Agencies: The government collaborates with NGOs, UNESCO, and
community-based organizations to run literacy campaigns and education programs.
Through these roles, the government ensures that education is accessible to everyone, promoting lifelong learning and national development.