Access to Adult Education for Persons with Disabilities in Kogi State

This study examined the access of persons with disabilities to adult education programmes in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Inclusive adult education is a human rights imperative, yet persons with disabilities remain one of the most consistently excluded groups from continuing education opportunities across Nigerian states. The study employed a descriptive survey design involving 100 adults with various physical and sensory disabilities drawn from five local government areas in Kogi State. Data were collected using adapted questionnaires, interviews facilitated by sign language interpreters where needed, and observations at adult education centre premises. Findings revealed that most adult education centres in the state were physically inaccessible to persons with mobility impairments due to absence of ramps, accessible toilets, and appropriate furniture. Instructional materials were rarely available in braille, audio, or large-print formats, rendering programmes effectively inaccessible for learners with visual and hearing impairments. Attitudinal barriers from facilitators and non-disabled peers further compounded exclusion. Despite these barriers, several participants had demonstrated remarkable persistence in accessing education through informal peer networks and family support. Recommendations include mandating physical accessibility retrofits for all state-run adult education centres, training facilitators in inclusive education methodologies, procuring assistive technologies and adapted materials, and establishing learner support services such as personal assistants for learners with severe disabilities. Enacting and enforcing the National Disability Act at the state level is also highlighted as an urgent policy priority. Keywords: disability inclusion, adult education access, persons with disabilities, Kogi State, inclusive education.