Transformative Learning Experiences and Social Capital Development Among Adult Women in Ogun State

This study examined the relationship between transformative learning experiences and social capital development among adult women participants in non-formal education programmes in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Despite growing theoretical interest in Mezirow's transformative learning framework within Nigerian scholarship, empirical applications connecting transformative learning to measurable social capital outcomes in the South West context are scarce. The study adopted a mixed methods sequential explanatory design involving 120 women drawn from purposively selected non-formal education programme sites in three local government areas. Quantitative data were collected via validated social capital and transformative learning experience instruments, while qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 20 purposively selected participants. Quantitative analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between transformative learning experience scores and social capital indicators including trust, network density, and civic participation. Qualitative findings illuminated the specific learning experiences, including critical reflection exercises, peer dialogue, and exposure to alternative life narratives, that catalysed perspective transformation and motivated participants to expand their community networks. Women who experienced cognitive and emotional disorienting dilemmas during their education demonstrated the strongest social capital gains. The study recommends embedding transformative learning elements into non-formal education curricula, training facilitators in critical dialogue facilitation techniques, and designing programme evaluation frameworks that capture social capital outcomes alongside literacy metrics. The findings advance transformative learning theory applications in non-Western adult education contexts. Keywords: transformative learning, social capital, adult women, non-formal education, Ogun State.