University Don Suggests Adult, Non-formal Education to Solve African Problems

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

A professor of Adult and Non-formal Education at the Ekiti State University, Prof Mathew Borode, says proper funding of adult and non-formal education is a major tool to be employed by African states in addressing economic issues.

The Professor of Adult Education made the recommendation while delivering the 76th inaugural lecture of the institution, titled ‘Investment in Adult and Non-formal Education Option for Policymakers’.

He noted that the high level of illiteracy in the society remains one of the bans needed to be cut to fast-track development in the continent.

He suggested immediate and huge investment in adult literacy and Non-formal Education as states move towards eradicating poverty and curbing crimes confronting African cities and suburbs.

The professor called for stringent and clear-cut legislation and policies at the different levels of public spending to articulate the meaning and scope of adult and Non-formal education.

Borode called on local and national governments to revive the adult education sector, which he said was aimed at reducing illiteracy, ignorance, and other foundations for underdevelopment in society.

The Aaye Ekiti-born educationist noted that considering Africa’s political and civil society today, affordable adult education should be offered to liberate the minds of the young and the old, saying it is a major way to proper orientation and re-orientation of citizens.

The don said if this is done, nepotism, thuggery, banditry and other forms of crimes will be reduced to the barest minimum.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof Edward Olanipekun, urged the government to show more commitment and support the education sector to bring desired development to society.