Students’ Perception of Adult Education as a Course of Study in the University of Benin, Nigeria
Abstract

This study assessed the perception of students admitted into the Department of Adult Education at the University of Benin, Nigeria about adult education as a course of study. This study became necessary as a result of low enrolment of students in the department since the past five years. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. This design is one in which a group of people or items are studied by collecting and analysing data from only a few people or items considered to be representative of the entire population. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. The population of the study consisted of 670 students at the undergraduate level. The sample size comprised 120 undergraduate level students who were selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Students’ Perception of Adult Education Questionnaire (SPAEQ) (r=0.65) was used to obtain data for the five research questions. Data obtained were analysed using the descriptive statistics of frequency counts and simple percentages. Findings revealed, among others, that the general attitudes of 79% of students of adult education, University of Benin are negative. This is based on the fact that they do not have a good knowledge of what adult education is all about. Findings also revealed that the students do not have knowledge of good job opportunities for the graduates of Adult Education. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the National Universities Commission should consider the introduction of Adult Education as a course in General studies for the undergraduate students in Nigerian Universities and curriculum designers on adult education as a field of study in Nigeria should continue to emphasise learners’ centred approach and constantly design
programmes attractive to the students.

Citation
Erharuyi N. R. and Oviawe, I. Isoken,Students’ Perception of Adult Education as a Course of Study in the University of Benin, Nigeria. International Journal of Continuing and Non-Formal Education (IJCNFE), 11, 114-128.