A Theoretical Framework for Lifelong Learning Policy Development in Post-Colonial African States: Evidence from Nigeria

This study develops an original theoretical framework for lifelong learning policy in post-colonial African states, using Nigeria as the primary empirical anchor. Existing theoretical frameworks for lifelong learning policy are predominantly derived from European and North American traditions, embedding assumptions about welfare state responsibilities, labour market structures, and civic participation that may not transfer directly to post-colonial African political economies. This study argues that a contextually adequate lifelong learning policy theory for African states must incorporate post-colonial political economy dynamics, the role of indigenous knowledge systems, customary social learning institutions, and the distinctive relationship between state capacity and civil society in shaping learning opportunity distribution. The theoretical framework is developed through critical engagement with post-colonial theory, decolonial educational philosophy, and lifelong learning policy literature, combined with empirical data from 50 key informant interviews with adult education scholars, policymakers, and practitioners across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. The framework proposes six constitutive dimensions of post-colonial lifelong learning policy theory: legitimacy of indigenous learning forms, structural access equity, decolonised curriculum epistemology, state-civil society co-governance, indigenous language provision, and political economy of knowledge. The framework is applied to critically analyse Nigeria's National Policy on Education and UBEC Act provisions, revealing significant theoretical gaps. The study concludes that Nigeria's lifelong learning policy requires fundamental reframing within a post-colonial theoretical lens. It recommends a national adult education policy reform process grounded in the proposed framework.

Keywords: lifelong learning policy, post-colonial theory, Africa, Nigeria, decolonisation.