ADULT LEARNERS DROPOUT FROM LITERACY PROGRAMMES IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACHIEVEMENT OF MDGS AND EFA GOALS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The programme of an adult literacy programme is expected to last for a given number of months. It is usually expected that it is within this duration that the adult learner would possess the requisite domains of learning which could be measured. Unfortunately, due to various reasons best known to adult learners in literacy programmes, they choose to drop out of the programme. This study therefore examined the causes of drop out in adult literacy programme in Gombe state. The 5414 learners who dropped out in the year 2011, served as the population of the study. The sample was 10percent of the population which is 542. The population and sample were drawn from the following local government areas: Shongom, Yamaltu-Deba and Nafada. They were sampled using multi stage and simple random sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. 542 questionnaires were administered and returned. Data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The result of the study revealed: gender roles of the respondents was responsible for drop out of adult literacy learners from the programmes. In addition, a very high number the respondents agreed that, instructors’ incompetence was also responsible for their drop out. Other factors listed were inadequacy of instructional materials and its quality. Four suggestions were proffered thus: building literacy centers and equipping such centers with adequate and appropriate facilities as well as establishment of more female centers.

Key words: drop out, adult learners, literacy programme, implications, EFA, MDG goals