ADULT LEARNERS' PERSPECTION, ATTITUDE AND INTEREST TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME

This study examines the influence of environmental education on waste management practice among students at the University of Benin. Guided by four research questions, the study investigates the impact of environmental education, the relationship between environmental knowledge, attitudes, and waste management practices, the challenges hindering efective waste management, and the strategies that enhance sustainable practices. A survey research design was adopted, with a population of 223 students enrolled in Environmental Education. The study utilized a questionnaire titled “Influence of Environmental Education on Waste Management Practices among Students at the University of Benin” (IEEWMPASUB), and data collected from 200 valid responses were analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The findings reveal that environmental education positively influences students’ awareness, attitudes, and behaviors towards waste management, fostering responsible waste practices. A strong positive correlation was observed between students' environmental knowledge and their waste management habits. Key challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, limited institutional support, financial and time constraints, and insuf icient waste collection facilities. The study also highlights ef ective strategies such as practical experience, community collaboration, curriculum integration, and digital tools in promoting sustainable waste management. The study concludes that environmental education plays a vital role in shaping students’ waste management behaviors and recommends embedding environmental topics into academic programs, enhancing institutional support, organizing regular workshops, and fostering partnerships with environmental agencies. The study suggests further research into cross-university comparisons, long-term impacts of environmental education, and the role of socioeconomic factors in waste management practices

This study investigated the assessment of adult learners’ perception, attitude and
interest towards environmental education programmes in Benin metropolis: a case study
of Edo State. In doing this five research questions were raised to guide the study. A sample
size for this study is a total of 72 respondents constituted the sample for the study. The
sample was selected using a proportionate sampling technique whereby 10% of the target
population was randomly selected across the target locations. The questionnaire was the
major instrument used for the study and was designed and validated by experts in the
department of Adult and Non-formal Education, Faculty of Education University of Benin.
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, frequencies
counts, simple percentages, and mean score.
Findings of the study revealed that the overall perception of adult learners towards
environmental education programmes is the fact the programme is not effective in Benin
Metropolis, that adult learners have a positive attitude towards participating in
environmental education programmes, it was concluded that there are still worrisome
challenges confronting adult learners’ perception, attitude and interest towards
environmental education programmes and that these challenges majorly ranged from
inadequate publicity, illiteracy and ignorance, poverty and low income levels.
It was further recommended that Government should ensure that environmental
education programmes is effective in Benin Metropolis. Adult learners should be
enlightened that cleaning the environment is not only a benefit to the environment but also
a benefit to their health. Government should provide training for adults in the community
on how to recycle waste in other to avoid littering in the room.