The influence of adult literacy programs on reducing early marriage rates in Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
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- Table of Content: Available
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Early marriage remains a deeply entrenched issue in many parts of Nigeria, including Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State, where traditional beliefs and socio-economic challenges fuel its persistence. Adult literacy programs have been increasingly recognized as a vital tool in reducing early marriage rates by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills necessary for personal development and informed decision-making (Oke, 2023). These programs aim to raise awareness about the adverse health, educational, and socio-economic consequences of early marriage, thereby challenging cultural norms and encouraging delayed marriage practices. By providing adults with improved literacy, these initiatives help communities to critically assess traditional practices and to value education as a pathway to enhanced socio-economic opportunities (Agboola, 2024). The integration of literacy with reproductive health education has shown promising results, as it equips individuals—especially young women—with the necessary tools to advocate for their rights and delay marriage until they are better prepared to manage adult responsibilities (Ighodaro, 2025). In Lokoja, where early marriage rates remain high due to longstanding cultural customs and economic pressures, adult literacy programs have the potential to transform perceptions and drive meaningful change. Enhanced literacy enables community members to access information on legal frameworks and health services, fostering an environment where early marriage is increasingly viewed as a barrier to personal and communal progress. Moreover, these educational programs create platforms for dialogue and community engagement, essential for dismantling the stigma associated with late marriage and for promoting alternative life choices that prioritize education and career development. The progressive impact of adult literacy on social practices underscores the need for continued investment in educational initiatives that target the root causes of early marriage, ensuring that individuals are better informed and more capable of making decisions that favor long-term well-being (Oke, 2023; Agboola, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Early marriage in Lokoja continues to be a major social challenge, with significant negative implications for health, education, and economic development. Despite ongoing efforts to address this issue, a substantial number of young individuals still enter into early marriage due to pervasive cultural norms and low literacy levels among the adult population. Existing literacy programs have not adequately targeted the unique factors that contribute to early marriage, such as limited access to reproductive health information and insufficient community engagement. This shortfall results in the continued reinforcement of early marriage as a socially acceptable practice, thereby hindering progress in social development and gender equality (Oke, 2023). Additionally, the lack of comprehensive data on the effectiveness of literacy programs in curbing early marriage further complicates policy formulation and implementation. The problem is compounded by the resistance to change from deeply rooted cultural practices, where the value of education is often underestimated relative to traditional norms. This study seeks to address the gap by exploring the role of adult literacy programs in altering perceptions and reducing early marriage rates in Lokoja. It aims to determine whether increased literacy correlates with improved reproductive health choices and delayed marriage, thereby contributing to enhanced socio-economic outcomes for individuals and the community (Agboola, 2024; Ighodaro, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the impact of adult literacy programs on reducing early marriage rates in Lokoja.
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To identify the cultural and educational barriers that sustain early marriage practices.
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To recommend improvements to adult literacy programs that can effectively lower early marriage rates.
Research Questions
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How do adult literacy programs influence early marriage rates in Lokoja?
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What are the main cultural and educational barriers to reducing early marriage through literacy initiatives?
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How can adult literacy programs be optimized to effectively reduce early marriage rates?
Research Hypotheses
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H₁: There is a significant inverse relationship between adult literacy levels and early marriage rates in Lokoja.
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H₂: Inadequate adult literacy education contributes to the persistence of early marriage practices.
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H₃: Enhanced adult literacy programs will lead to a significant reduction in early marriage rates in Lokoja.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it demonstrates how improved adult literacy can act as a catalyst for reducing early marriage. By providing actionable insights, the research supports policymakers and educators in developing targeted interventions that promote delayed marriage and enhance social development (Oke, 2023; Agboola, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to examining the influence of adult literacy programs on reducing early marriage rates in Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State. It focuses exclusively on literacy initiatives related to early marriage and does not consider other influencing factors.
Definitions of Terms
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Adult Literacy Programs: Educational initiatives that aim to improve the reading, writing, and numeracy skills of adults.
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Early Marriage: The practice of marrying individuals at a young age, typically before adulthood, which can have negative social and health consequences.
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Cultural Barriers: Social norms and practices that hinder changes in behavior and attitudes within a community.
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