Neuroscience of Adult Learning and Implications for Non-Formal Education Programme Design in Nigeria

This study developed a theoretically grounded and empirically supported model for applying educational neuroscience insights to non-formal adult education programme design in Nigeria, with particular application to literacy and numeracy programme contexts in Oyo, Nasarawa, and Kano States. Educational neuroscience has generated significant evidence on optimal adult learning conditions including memory consolidation, attention management, emotional state regulation, and multi-sensory encoding, yet these insights have been minimally applied in the design of Nigerian non-formal education programmes. The study employed a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design, combining a randomised controlled trial comparing neuroscience-informed and standard programme designs across 240 adult learners, with a qualitative strand involving cognitive interviews and facilitator reflective inquiry. The neuroscience-informed programme incorporated spaced practice scheduling, emotional engagement techniques, multisensory instructional activities, and retrieval practice exercises. Analysis of covariance revealed significantly stronger literacy and numeracy gains in the neuroscience-informed arm, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. Qualitative findings illuminated learner subjective experiences of enhanced engagement, reduced learning anxiety, and stronger sense of competence in the neuroscience-informed condition. The study produces an original Contextualised Neuroscientific Adult Literacy Instructional Framework tailored to Nigerian non-formal education delivery conditions. This framework provides programme designers with practical, evidence-based guidance for improving instructional quality without requiring additional resource investment. Recommendations include incorporating the framework into pre-service and in-service facilitator training curricula nationwide. Keywords: educational neuroscience, adult learning, programme design, non-formal education, Nigeria.