Adult education is a teaching and learning process specifically targeted at people who are considered adults by society. Adult education, though not integrated into the Nigerian education system, is approved by the government.

It helps to improve their technical and professional qualifications. It also helps to develop their abilities, and enrich their knowledge with the goal of completing a given level of formal education. This is part of the objective of Nigerian educational policies.

Adult education can be employed to acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies in a new field. Adults can also refresh or update their knowledge in a particular field.

The concept of adult learning can also be termed continuing education, recurrent education, and second chance education.

Recent years have seen different adults rising to obtain different educational qualifications in different fields. Due to the importance of adult education to society, we shall be dedicating this article to the subject matter.

Meanwhile, we shall first take a look at Nigerian educational policies. Its goals and objectives. We shall also discuss briefly, what is special education.

If you are a student, an adult, or an educationist that wants to learn more, keep scrolling for the detail.

What are the Educational Policies in Nigeria?

The goal of Nigeria’s National Policy on Education is to ensure proper management, administration, and execution of the educational system across the board. It gives instructional efforts direction.

The National Policy on Education in Nigeria is a declaration of the government’s objectives, rules, anticipations, expectations, requirements, and standards to guarantee the country’s education system is delivered to a high standard.

Nigeria has changed throughout the years, and the educational system appears to have undergone a technological makeover. There is currently a discernible electronic education system in Nigeria as a result of technical development and national policy reforms.

One essential component of Nigeria’s present national education policy is making education a top priority. Education is the most powerful tool for change, and it is the only way to achieve any significant shift in the social and intellectual orientation of a society.

The National Policy on Education in Nigeria calls for effective reform in all areas of the nation’s development, including education standards.

Even though the National Policy on Education in Nigeria places a lot of emphasis on the educational system of the nation, it is rather depressing to state that it has failed miserably and hasn’t achieved any of the criteria set forth in the policy for significant transformation.

Nigeria’s national education policy aims to create a more wealthy and cohesive country through a well-organized educational system.

Goals of Nigeria’s National Education Policy

The followings are the goals and aims of Nigeria’s national education policy:

1. Nigeria’s educational policy aims to establish a democratic and free society.
2. Additionally, it aims to establish a united, powerful, and self-sufficient nation.
3. It likewise assists with building an extraordinary and dynamic economy for the country.
4. The goal of the national education policy is to create a nation with numerous exciting opportunities for all citizens.
5. It aims to create a society that is fair and equal.

Objectives of Nigeria’s National Education Policy

The following are the objectives of Nigeria’s national education policy:

1. Present-day instruction methods will be progressively used to work on every one of the levels of the school system.
2. All citizens of the nation will be entitled to a variety of forms of universal basic education.
3. The country’s national development plan should continue to place a high value on education.
4. Lifelong education will serve as the national educational policy’s foundation.
5. In order to provide a more varied and adaptable selection, educational facilities must continue to be expanded in response to social needs and made more and more accessible to all individuals.
6. For maximum self-development and fulfillment, educational activities would be centered on the student.
7. Health and physical education should be emphasized at all educational levels.
8. By relying in part on ongoing evaluation of the student’s or individual’s progress, the educational evaluation shall be liberalized.
9. All citizens of the nation would have access to and be able to afford education.
10. The public schooling system will be organized to foster the act of self-learning. In this regard, the government will continue to support the establishment of Young Readers Clubs in schools.
11. Religious instruction will continue to be offered opportunities; No child will be compelled to accept religious instruction that goes against their parent’s wishes.
12. After graduating from junior high school, students will have the option of continuing their education on a full-time basis, combining their work with their studies or beginning full-time employment without excluding the possibility of returning to school in the future.
13. Education should be linked to the needs of the community as a whole.

What is Adult Education?

Adult education refers to the process by which individuals actively pursue new knowledge, abilities, attitudes, or values through prolonged and organized self-educational activities.[1] It can refer to any type of learning that people do that goes beyond traditional schooling, from fundamental literacy to ensuring one’s fulfillment as a lifelong learner.

Adult education, in particular, is a particular way of teaching and learning that is based on the idea that adults can and want to learn, that they can and want to take responsibility for their own learning, and that learning should meet their needs.

What is the importance of adult education in the Nigerian education system?

Adult education plays a crucial role in assisting older students in developing new skills and expanding their career options.

Adult education is an important tool for making sure people can keep up with the rapidly evolving technological world of today.

Obviously, adult education is important for more than just that reason. Adults must continue their own education for a variety of reasons, in one way or another. Some of the most significant ones are listed below.

Boosts career

Adult education can assist individuals in establishing successful careers. Organizations these days need more from their workers. A single degree is no longer sufficient. It is essential for employees to be familiar with some aspects of their work. That can be done in a great way through adult education. Classes that are quick and simple help employees grow, achieve better results and become more employable.

Consistent with technological advancement

Adult education helps people keep up with the times. Older people might not be able to keep up with the rapid development of new technologies. They will most likely fall behind unless they begin their own education. That is no longer a major issue after a certain age. However, enhancing your educational background is not in question if you are still employed and intend to remain so for at least ten more years before retiring.

Retraining to remain relevant

When trying to build a successful career, sometimes retraining is not an option but an obligation. It’s important to recognize that as technology advances, some jobs will become obsolete or have already become obsolete. Adults who do those jobs must now concentrate on something else.

Active mindset

For those who want to keep their minds active, adult education is a must. The majority of people hold the belief that as we get older, our minds begin to become less sharp. It is incorrect. A person’s mind will begin to lose its sharpness if they have been working the same job from the age of 25 to the age of 35 without challenging themselves with new knowledge and topics. Learning a new language or perfecting new skills is a great way to keep your mind active, according to research. After all, it’s just as important to exercise your mind as your body.

Boosts creativity

Adults become more creative. Being active and creative can, without a doubt, have a significant impact on your life. The more information a person has, the more creative they can be. Education encourages creative thinking. You become more outgoing and creative as a result.

The Nigerian educational system must include adult education. This approach gives adults the chance to continue learning things that will enhance their lives, whether it’s honing their language abilities or learning how to use new technologies.

What is special education?

Special education is the practice of educating pupils in a way that fits their specific characteristics, impairments, and special needs. This entails the individually planned and consistently reviewed arrangement of instructional practices, specialized tools and resources, and accessible environments.

These interventions are intended to assist people with special needs in reaching higher levels of personal self-sufficiency and success in learning and in their communities, which may not be possible if the student only had access to conventional classroom education.

Students who have been identified as having a disability that hinders their ability to learn and necessitates additional support in order to fully participate in school are eligible for special education services. Those with the following disabilities typically qualify for special education services:

Special education aims to ensure that students with any of these disabilities can participate in education alongside students without disabilities and can access the curriculum whenever and as much as possible.

Children who typically qualify for special education services include those with the following disabilities:

1. Intellectual disability
2. Hearing impairments (including deafness)
3. Speech or language impairments
4. Visual impairments (including blindness)
5. Serious emotional disturbance
6. Orthopedic impairments
7. Autism spectrum disorder
8. Traumatic brain injury
9. Other health impairments
10. Specific learning disabilities
11. Developmental delay

In an ideal world, everyone would have equal access to education to fulfill their potential.

What makes for good interpersonal relationships in a school?

Successful classroom management depends on teachers and students having mutual trust, respect, compassion, and care. We can do this by developing relationships with our pupils.

The following justifications support the significance of the teacher-student relationship:

The majority of disruptive behaviors can be prevented if students and teachers have strong relationships.

Due to the absence of care and attention from their families, most pupils in today’s environment require the attention of their teachers.

Building trusting ties with students enables them to form solid friendships with classmates.

To support their healthy development, children with exceptional needs such as those with ADHD and autism—typically need the attention of numerous stakeholders. Building trusting relationships with these children is essential to controlling their behavior.

In light of the above, the following makes for good interpersonal relationships in a school.

A thriving classroom community

The most effective method for cultivating genuine relationships with your students is to establish a collaborative network with their parents and families. Even though doing that isn’t easy, you still have to work hard and succeed.

Make use of routines and traditions

Routines and traditions can help you connect well with your students and their families in the classroom. The teacher’s relationship with the students and their families is strengthened through daily, weekly, and monthly practices.

Making a good first impression

The teacher’s personality plays a big role in helping them build better relationships with their students. Take a genuine interest in your students’ lives and success. This will cause understudies to feel you care for them.

Utilization of both high-quality verbal and nonverbal behaviors

Utilizing both high-quality verbal and nonverbal behaviors has the potential to enhance the relationship that exists between students and teachers. It enhances healthier social and interpersonal interactions between teachers, students, and other students as well as conveys a strong message of acceptance.

Be an active and great listener

Being able to listen well helps you communicate well with your students. This helps you build a good relationship with them. Students will sense how genuine and respectful you are toward them if you pay close attention to them.

Be mindful of how you react to students and their actions

Instead of reacting negatively, react positively. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with a student’s actions or words, it is essential to respond positively. If you don’t like the behavior or opinions of your students, disagree gently and politely. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you and your students to communicate effectively.

Conclusion

Adult education helps boost careers and keep the mind of the learner active, no matter the age. This article discussed relevant concepts that relate to adult learning including:

• Nigerian educational policies
• Importance of adult education in the Nigerian education system, and
• Special education

You can now differentiate between adult and special education and are required to suggest and contribute to the concepts. Please, use the comment box below for your feedback.

[1]

 Merriam, Sharan B. & Brockett, Ralph G. (2007). The Profession and Practice of Adult Education: An Introduction. Jossey-Bass, p. 7.