INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING LOW ENROLLMENT IN THE ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMME AT EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY, ADO EKITI

Abstract

This study investigated the institutional factors contributing to low enrolment rates in adult education programmes at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study sampled 150 adult education students, administrators, and educators drawn from communities served by the university through simple random sampling. A self-developed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.70 was employed to collect data, which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that institutional barriers significantly affect the accessibility and quality of adult education programmes at the university, including inadequate facilities, rigid course schedules, limited support services, and teaching methods inappropriate for adult education students. The study also identified that University policies and practices affect enrolment, but lack sufficient support and mentorship for adult education students. Based on these findings, the study recommends regular assessment of adult education students-oriented facilities and services, the implementation of adult-focused policies, the establishment of structured mentorship systems, and more proactive university administration to achieve the goals of adult education programmes and improve enrolment rates.