UMAR CARLYD OSHIOLEH

This study investigated the transformative role of adult education in promoting community development, specifically focusing on the host community of the University of Benin, Nigeria. Recognizing adult education as a crucial component of lifelong learning and a strategic driver for national transformation, the research aimed to determine how existing programs address pervasive challenges such as low literacy rates, high unemployment, skill deficits, and social exclusion in the community. The core purpose was to identify the types of adult education programs available, evaluate participants' perceptions of their impact on personal and collective development, assess their effectiveness in meeting economic, social, and political needs, and explore the challenges hindering successful implementation. Ultimately, the study sought to provide evidence- based recommendations to strengthen adult learning initiatives and foster sustainable development at the grassroots level. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to gather facts and opinions from the population for generalization. The study area was delimited to selected neighborhoods surrounding the University of Benin, including Ugbowo, Ekosodin, Osasogie, and BDPA. Data was collected from one hundred and twenty (120) adults selected from ten communities in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State using a questionnaire as the primary research instrument. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, simple percentage, and mean scores, with a criterion mean score of 2.50 used as the selection benchmark. The findings indicated that the available adult education programs in the area include women education, population education, literacy, workers education, and vocational education, and that the community holds a positive attitude toward these programs. Crucially, the study concluded that adult education has significantly helped in community development by providing economic skills, improving participants' standard of living, enhancing reading abilities, and fostering cordial community relationships, with the extent of acquired skills contributing highly to poverty alleviation. The successful implementation of these programs, however, is often challenged by financial constraints, inadequate government support, and limited facilities. Therefore, recommendations often revolve around the need for increased government funding, better institutional collaboration (especially with the University of Benin), and addressing logistical barriers to ensure the programs are sustainable and relevant to evolving labor market needs.