Adult, Non-Formal Education and National Development

The concept of adult is an amorphous one. This makes its definition to be difficult. Except different angles are considered to delineate the geographical boundary of the concept, we would continue to commit errors of definition. Equally too, given a universal definition to education may lead to another error because our definition of education depends on the societal values, and societal values are relative to that particular society. Thus to give a balanced definition to education, one needs a critical analysis. The place of non-formal form of learning in Adult Education is indispensable. This is because it transforms moulds and modifies learner s physical, mental and psychological development. This paper would therefore examine the concept of adult and non-formal education. It would equally examine the scope, purpose and objectives of adult education as they relate to Nigerian society and an attempt would be made at juxposing adult education and national development. This paper however is not an empirical one. The methodology takes the form of conceptual analysis of concepts that are related to adult, non-formal education and national development. Therefore research questions and hypotheses formulation were not involved.