The Effectiveness of Community Learning Centres in Promoting Lifelong Learning in Benue State

This study evaluates the effectiveness of community learning centres in promoting lifelong learning habits and functional literacy among adults in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Community learning centres, supported by the Universal Basic Education Commission and state agencies, are designed to serve as accessible platforms for adult education, civic literacy, and continuing skills development in rural and semi-urban communities. Despite their establishment, the operational effectiveness of these centres in Benue State has not been comprehensively assessed. This study uses a descriptive survey design and administers structured questionnaires to 180 adult learners and 30 facilitators in 12 community learning centres across Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo local government areas. Effectiveness is assessed using learner attendance rates, literacy skill acquisition scores, facilitator qualifications, and community utilisation patterns. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis are applied. Findings reveal that centres in urban and peri-urban locations demonstrate significantly higher learner attendance and skill acquisition outcomes compared to rural centres. Facilitator qualification levels and the regularity of instructional material supply are the strongest predictors of centre effectiveness. Many rural centres operate intermittently due to funding irregularity and facilitator absenteeism. The study concludes that community learning centres in Benue State have significant potential but are constrained by resource inadequacy. It recommends regular funding disbursements, qualified facilitator deployment, and community ownership models to improve long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these centres.

Keywords: community learning centres, lifelong learning, adult literacy, Benue State, non-formal education.