Lifelong Learning Ecosystems and Human Development in Nigerian States: A Comparative Institutional Analysis

This study develops an original lifelong learning ecosystems framework for analysing the relationship between institutional arrangements for lifelong learning and human development outcomes across Nigerian states, drawing on comparative institutionalism and systems theory. The lifelong learning ecosystem concept, which examines the interconnected organisations, policies, cultural norms, and infrastructure that shape learning opportunity across the lifespan, has not been applied in a systematic comparative analysis of Nigerian states. This study constructs a Lifelong Learning Ecosystem Index for all 36 Nigerian states and the FCT, using indicators across formal education provision, non-formal adult education, workplace learning, digital learning infrastructure, library and community learning resources, and lifelong learning cultural norms. The index is validated through expert consultation and tested against human development outcomes using panel regression analysis for the period 2015 to 2023. Comparative institutional analysis is applied to identify ecosystem configurations associated with superior human development outcomes. Findings reveal significant ecosystem quality variation across states, with South West states consistently showing the most developed lifelong learning ecosystems and North West states the least developed. Ecosystem quality is significantly and positively associated with human development index scores after controlling for income per capita. Non-formal adult education provision and digital learning infrastructure are the ecosystem dimensions most strongly associated with development outcomes. The study contributes an original Nigerian Lifelong Learning Ecosystem Index and comparative institutional framework, recommending its adoption as a monitoring tool in Nigeria's human development planning.

Keywords: lifelong learning ecosystem, human development, Nigerian states, comparative institutionalism, systems theory.