Lagos Advances Adult Education with Digital Innovation Training

The Lagos State Government has taken a bold step toward transforming adult education through its recent capacity-building programme, “Empowering Lifelong Learning: Innovative Strategies for Adult Learning Facilitation,” spearheaded by the Ministry of Tertiary Education’s Agency for Mass Education.

The event assembled adult education facilitators from across Lagos State, equipping them with cutting-edge, technology-based approaches vital for addressing literacy challenges and broadening lifelong learning opportunities. This move aligns with the state’s broader agenda to combat illiteracy and promote inclusive education.

Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, Director of the Agency for Mass Education, opened the programme with remarks highlighting the importance of adopting digital tools and modern pedagogies to deliver effective adult education that keeps pace with global trends. She reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to eliminating adult illiteracy across Lagos.

The programme featured key contributions from high-profile education stakeholders. Mrs. Oparinde Adenike, representing Dr. Olugbenga Ayoola, Permanent Secretary of the Parastatals Monitoring Board, praised the Agency’s forward-thinking approach, describing the initiative as a vital milestone toward realizing Lagos State’s vision of an educated, empowered population.

Encouraging facilitators to utilize public resources, Mrs. Sophie Oyenike of the Lagos State Library Board emphasized the diverse educational tools available through state libraries to support adult learners.

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Academic insight was delivered by prominent experts. Dr. Luqman Hussein, Associate Professor at Lagos State University of Education, presented an enlightening lecture titled “Modernising Adult Education: Innovative Teaching Methods and Digital Literacy Integration.” He stressed the need for adaptable, technology-enhanced, learner-focused methods that address the varied backgrounds of adult students.

Complementing this, Mrs. Jola Okebiorun, Associate Professor at the University of Lagos, delved into the psychological and motivational aspects of adult learning. Her session reinforced that teaching strategies must respect and incorporate adults’ accumulated life experiences to enhance engagement and outcomes.

Recognizing the demanding nature of adult education facilitation, the event also incorporated a wellness component. Mrs. Silifat Giwa, from the Lagos State Employee Wellness Centre, led a session on mental health awareness. She equipped facilitators with techniques to manage stress and maintain emotional well-being, ensuring sustained quality and empathy in their instruction.

Mrs. Seriki Ibukunolu, Director of Mass Literacy, concluded the event by applauding all involved agencies for the successful orchestration of the programme. She credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast dedication to education, which remains the driving force behind the ongoing progress in adult literacy throughout Lagos.

This capacity-building initiative emerges as a benchmark in Nigeria’s adult education sector, reflecting Lagos State’s commitment to harnessing innovation and comprehensive support frameworks in the pursuit of inclusive lifelong learning.