Language Attitudes and Motivation Among Igbo Language Learners in Adult Education Programmes in Kogi State

This study investigates language attitudes and motivational orientations among adult Igbo language learners enrolled in adult education programmes in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Kogi State, located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, is a multilingual state with significant Igbo-speaking communities in its southern senatorial zone, making it a productive site for studying Igbo as a heritage and community language in a non-South East Nigerian context. The research draws on self-determination theory and Gardner's integrative-instrumental motivation model to examine attitude and motivation variables among one hundred and eighty-four adult learners in six adult education centres. A validated Igbo language attitude and motivation scale is administered alongside semi-structured interviews with thirty-two purposively selected respondents. Structural equation modelling is used to test the hypothesised relationships between attitude dimensions, motivation types, and learning persistence. Findings confirm that integrative motivation, particularly the desire to strengthen community belonging and ethnic heritage connection, is the strongest predictor of learning persistence in the Kogi adult learner sample. Instrumental motivations linked to occupational benefit show significant effects only for learners in commercial areas near Igbo trading communities. Attitude positivity mediates the relationship between both motivation types and enrolment commitment. The study recommends culturally grounded adult Igbo programmes in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: language attitudes, motivation, adult education, Igbo language, Kogi State.