ABSTRACT

 The study evaluated the achievements of the objectives of Adult education programme in Abia State Nigeria. The study covered four Local Government Areas in Umuahia Education Zone. The specific purpose of the study includes, to determine the extent to which adult education programme have helped the illiterate adults learn to read and write their own languages in Abia State and to determine the extent adult education programme have increased the efficiency of workers on the job in Abia State, as well as enhance adult participation in the social and political development of their society in Abia State. The design of the study was descriptive survey research design. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 182 respondents from a population of 5,631 adult learners in the state. The instrument used for data collection was the researcher designed questionnaire. Five research questions were posed to guide the study as well as the hypotheses. Data collected were analyzed using standard deviation, mean, percentage, frequency, table. ANOVA was used to test the Null hypotheses at 0.5 level of significance. The Findings were made which includes, participation in adult education programme has helped illiterate adults read and write their own language, adult education programme to a high extent have contributed to the participant's man power development and involved in political leadership and so on. The null hypothesis was rejected which implies that significant difference were found in the mean ratings of staleholders on the extent adult education programme have helped adult learners read and write in their own language, increase the efficiency of workers on the job, enhance adult participation in social and political development etc. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that adult education programme have helped adult learners achieving their aim and objectives for participating in the programme in Abia state, the extent of absorption of formal school dropout is high in Abia state as a result of introduction of adult education programme. Some recommendations were made based on the findings, which includes, stake holders of any programme should evenly be involved in planning the progranmie, programmes capable of empowering adults in rural areas should be established as, a way of motivating their efforts and so on. The study was limited to only four Local Government Areas in Umuahia Education Zone, this may affect the generalization of the study. It was suggested that the study be replicated in other states of the federation considering the importance of eradicating illiteracy in our society.