Adult Education Programme Funding and Resource Mobilisation in Bauchi State

This study examined funding patterns and resource mobilisation strategies for adult education programmes in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria. Chronic underfunding is widely cited as a principal constraint on adult education programme quality and reach across Nigerian states, making resource mobilisation a critical management priority. The study employed a descriptive survey design involving 55 programme administrators, government education budget officers, and development partner representatives from Bauchi State. Document analyses of budget allocation records, structured questionnaires, and key informant interviews formed the data collection approach. Findings revealed that adult education consistently received the smallest budget allocation within the state education sector, with actual fund releases falling significantly below approved allocations in most reviewed fiscal years. Donor-funded projects operated in parallel to government programmes but with limited financial sustainability planning. Community contributions in kind, including provision of learning venues and refreshments, represented a significant but unacknowledged resource stream. Private sector engagement in adult education funding was minimal and largely underdeveloped. Recommendations include developing a multi-year adult education funding strategy for Bauchi State, establishing transparent fund release tracking mechanisms, creating a formalised community resource mobilisation framework that channels and values community contributions, launching a state-level adult education private sector partnership scheme, and strengthening the case for international development partner investment through rigorous programme outcome documentation. Keywords: programme funding, resource mobilisation, adult education, Bauchi State, financial management.