Why I like Adult Education

In a recent conversation with a friend offering an MBA course in the University, we had conflicting views on what adult education is.  Going by the requirements needed to meet the demands of school work combined with daily office work,  I highlighted the fact that “adult education is not easy,” only for this student to start giving explanations to why it is not adult education.  She stated that adult education connotes “education for old mama’s and papa’s.” Despite all she said about adult education, my verdict still remained the same, “all na still part of education,” I said.  Even OBJ’s recent PhD in theology was a product of adult education.  So, “no need to justify yourself,” I advised.

When my people say “uwa mgbede ka mma” (life begins at forty), they knew what they meant. At old or advanced age, one is better placed to understand concepts better. Hence, even the basic understanding of adult education as primary or secondary education obtained at old age is still interesting and has its own merits.

Often times, we have seen men of over sixty years that joined children fit to be their children or grandchildren to learn in the same classroom. Surprisingly, most of them come top in their class because they seem to understand the concepts taught better than other learners in the class.

In such cases, it is seen as determination and zeal to learn by the concerned adults in their quest to gain knowledge irrespective of their age. That quest counts for them as it gives them the opportunity to broaden their scope, make new friends and networking with other students. 

In a recent review of a post graduate work by my supervisor, I sat back listening to him as he critiqued my work.  I smiled to myself as I also assessed his performance at such a review.  I kept the result of the assessment to myself. Though I can say he passed, that was what prompted this writing.

I like adult education because as an adult in the classroom, the teacher can’t “bambuzuu” you. Also, you have a say and can challenge the teacher.

Fela’s saying, “teacher don’t teach me nonsense” comes to my mind and the teacher can easily be challenged when you think the teacher is “yanning opata”. My people always say that “nwoke na ibe ya”, suggesting a confluence of adult minds in a way to progress. 

In adult classes, the teachers are out to ensure that the students understand them and appraise them for their efforts. In fact, when you go to conferences and workshops, those questionnaires are appraisals on how well the teacher performed in delivering the material.

For that reason, the teachers (presenters) are mindful of the appraisal and put in more effort to ensure that the concepts are understood by their students. 

The teachers in adult classes are polite and sometimes have even voiced their frustrations by going extra miles as to what is required to cope in such an institution of learning as opposed to what obtains in some other regular classes where they hold sway as the students lord and personal saviours. 

Like we just witnessed with the professor from OAU (Obafemi Awolowo University) that demanded five rounds of sex for upgrade from 33 to 40 which is very appalling. 

It might be that my view may be localized, given that in other climes teachers aspire to have their concepts understood by their students. It might just be a “Nigerian University thing” that has biased my mind.  It may also be a Nigerian government public schools experience that fashioned this view. 

The truth is that the classroom should be a conducive environment for learning, not just in infrastructure but in discipline and mutual respect to ensure free flow of ideas. With such an environment, you can be sure to get the best out of a critical thinking mind. 

Obidike Peter wrote from www.peterobidike.com and p_obidike@yahoo.com.