Human Resource Management in State Adult Education Agencies: A Study of Selected Nigerian States

This study examines human resource management practices in state adult education agencies across selected Nigerian states, assessing recruitment, training, performance management, and retention systems for adult education staff. State agencies for adult and non-formal education are the primary public bodies responsible for delivering literacy and lifelong learning programmes, and their human resource quality directly determines programme outcomes. However, HRM in these agencies has received limited academic attention despite its importance. This study uses a survey design and semi-structured interview approach, collecting data from 80 administrative and programme staff in state adult education agencies in Oyo, Kano, Enugu, and Borno States. HRM dimensions assessed include staff qualification requirements, recruitment transparency, in-service training provision, performance appraisal systems, and staff retention rates. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis are applied. Findings reveal significant variation in HRM quality across the sampled agencies, with southern states generally demonstrating stronger recruitment and training systems than northern counterparts. Performance appraisal systems are largely non-functional in all four states, with promotions driven by seniority rather than performance. High facilitator turnover rates are linked to poor remuneration and non-payment of salaries for extended periods. The study concludes that HRM weaknesses are a major constraint on adult education agency effectiveness in Nigeria. It recommends professionalisation of the adult education workforce through competency-based recruitment standards, performance-linked incentives, and regular in-service training calendars.

Keywords: human resource management, adult education agencies, staff development, workforce management, Nigeria.