ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AS TOOL FOR ERADICATION OF POVERTY AMONG WOMEN IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This study examined Adult Education Programmes as a Tool for the Eradication of Poverty among Women in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The purpose was to assess how literacy, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship education, and empowerment derived from adult education contribute to improving women’s socio- economic conditions. The study also investigated the barriers that limit women’s participation in adult education programmes and explored strategies that can enhance their effectiveness in poverty reduction. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from one hundred women aged 18 years and above using a structured and validated questionnaire. The data were analysed using means and standard deviations to answer the six research questions. The findings revealed that adult education programmes have a significant impact on women’s literacy development, vocational skills, and entrepreneurial capacity. Literacy education was found to improve reading, writing, and numeracy skills, which enabled women to manage finances, run small businesses, and engage more productively in community life. Skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training further strengthened women’s economic independence, allowing them to generate income and contribute meaningfully to family welfare and local development. The study concludes that adult education serves as a powerful instrument for women’s empowerment and poverty reduction in Ovia North East. By enhancing functional literacy, equipping women with marketable skills, and promoting entrepreneurial thinking, adult education transforms women into active contributors to social and economic progress. It also elevates their confidence, decision-making ability, and participation in family and community affairs, reinforcing their roles as change agents in society. The study recommends that government and stakeholders should provide adequate funding, improve infrastructural facilities, and integrate financial literacy and entrepreneurship training into adult education curricula. Flexible class schedules and community awareness programmes should be intensified to accommodate working women and encourage broader participation. Through these measures, adult education can continue to advance gender equality and serve as a lasting tool for poverty eradication and sustainable development.