Adult Education Participation and Crime Prevention in Peri-Urban Communities of Rivers State

This study explored the relationship between adult education participation and crime prevention outcomes in peri-urban communities of Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Rising crime rates in peri-urban areas of Rivers State have been partly attributed to educational marginalisation and unemployment among young adults, prompting calls for targeted educational interventions as crime prevention tools. The study adopted a descriptive survey design involving 150 adults comprising former programme participants, community leaders, and security personnel from three peri-urban communities. Questionnaires, interview guides, and community security incident records informed data analysis. Findings indicated that communities with higher adult education programme participation rates recorded lower incidences of petty theft, social unrest, and youth gang activity over the preceding two years. Adult education participation was associated with improved employment prospects, stronger civic awareness, and reduced idle time among young adults, all of which were protective factors against criminal involvement. However, economic inequality and inadequate community recreational facilities continued to fuel crime even in communities with active adult education programmes, suggesting the need for multi-sectoral responses. Participants also reported that community policing knowledge integrated into adult education programmes enhanced their cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Recommendations include formally incorporating civic and legal literacy components into adult education curricula, partnering adult education providers with community policing initiatives, and establishing vocational skills training programmes targeted specifically at idle young adults in high-crime peri-urban zones. Keywords: adult education, crime prevention, peri-urban communities, Rivers State, civic literacy.