Lifelong Learning Policies and Implementation Gaps in North Central Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis

This study conducted a comparative analysis of lifelong learning policy provisions and their implementation gaps across Benue, Kogi, and Niger States in North Central Nigeria. Policy analysis and comparative state-level implementation evaluation represent critical methodological gaps in Nigerian adult education scholarship, with most existing studies focusing on single-state programme implementation rather than cross-state policy comparison. The study adopted a qualitative comparative policy analysis design involving document analysis of federal and state education policy instruments, 45 key informant interviews with senior education policy officials across the three states, and comparative programme outcome data review. Findings revealed that all three states had formal commitments to lifelong learning within their state education policy frameworks; however, implementation fidelity varied substantially. Niger State demonstrated the strongest policy-practice alignment, attributable to a dedicated adult education implementation committee and consistent budget release records. Benue and Kogi showed significant implementation gaps driven by political instability, irregular funding, and absence of dedicated implementation oversight structures. Cross-state analysis identified weak institutional coordination, poor monitoring infrastructure, and absence of accountability mechanisms as universal policy implementation constrainers regardless of state-specific political and economic differences. Recommendations include establishing a North Central Lifelong Learning Policy Implementation Forum to facilitate inter-state knowledge exchange, developing standardised implementation monitoring frameworks applicable across all three states, and advocating for constitutional strengthening of adult education funding obligations at the state level. Keywords: lifelong learning policy, implementation gaps, comparative analysis, North Central Nigeria, adult education governance.