Epistemological Foundations of Non-Formal Education Research in Nigeria: A Critical Meta-Analysis

This study conducts a critical meta-analysis of the epistemological foundations of non-formal education research in Nigeria, examining the dominant theoretical frameworks, methodological paradigms, and knowledge production patterns in the field from 1990 to 2023. The epistemological basis of a research field shapes what questions are asked, what knowledge is valued, and what policy recommendations are generated. A critical examination of how Nigerian non-formal education research has been conducted and whose knowledge frameworks have dominated offers important insights for improving the field's relevance, rigour, and equity orientation. This study uses a systematic literature review and critical discourse analysis methodology, examining 320 peer-reviewed journal articles and dissertations on Nigerian non-formal education published between 1990 and 2023. Epistemological frameworks, methodological approaches, research population representation, and citation patterns are coded and analysed. The critical meta-analysis examines whether indigenous epistemological frameworks, marginalised community perspectives, and participatory methodologies are adequately represented in the research corpus. Findings reveal a strong dominance of positivist epistemology and quantitative survey methodology in the corpus, with limited representation of phenomenological, participatory, or indigenous knowledge-based approaches. Marginalised community voices are predominantly represented as research subjects rather than knowledge producers. Citation patterns show heavy dependence on Western theoretical frameworks with minimal engagement with African adult education scholarship. The study concludes that Nigerian non-formal education research requires a deliberate epistemological pluralism. It recommends research funding incentives for participatory and indigenous knowledge-based research methodologies.

Keywords: epistemology, non-formal education research, meta-analysis, Nigeria, indigenous knowledge.