The Connectivity of Adult Education and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: Issues and Perspective

This study examines the possibility of adult education as a panacea for the eradication of poverty in Nigeria. It defines poverty as a state of shortage or deficiency of meeting basic needs. It argues that education is an important means for poverty reduction. To substantiate its arguments, the article draws from relevant theoretical and empirical literatures. From the literature a link between education and poverty reduction is established. The major causes of poverty are overpopulation, illiteracy, unemployment, environmental degradation and government insensitivity to the welfare of the people. Some poverty eradication strategies highlighted include: (i) organisation of international workshops on eradication of poverty, (ii) respect for human rights, (iii) quality basic education for girls (iv) meaningful contributions by NGOs, (v) provision of jobs for the people, all of which are products of adult education. Some recommendations are made towards the deployment of adult education programmes for the reduction of poverty in Nigeria. The paper concludes by emphasizing the significance of and the need for proper management of education in order to make it an effective tool for poverty reduction in Nigeria.