ADULT EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING FOR ECONOMIC RESILIENCE

This chapter examines the role of adult education and lifelong learning as essential drivers of economic resilience in Nigeria. It argues that equipping adults with relevant knowledge, vocational skills, and lifelong learning opportunities enhances their capacity to adapt to changing economic conditions, technological advancements, and labour market demands. The chapter discusses how adult education contributes to workforce development, innovation, productivity, entrepreneurship, social mobility, and human capital formation, while lifelong learning promotes continuous skills acquisition, adaptability, and resilience in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy. Drawing on contemporary literature, the authors demonstrate that sustained investment in adult education and lifelong learning strengthens individual employability, supports inclusive economic growth, and improves national capacity to withstand economic shocks. The chapter concludes by advocating stronger educational policies and lifelong learning initiatives as strategic tools for fostering sustainable economic development and long-term economic resilience in Nigeria and other developing economies. This chapter forms part of the edited volume Managing Nigeria's Economic Challenges and National Security: Strategies for Stability and Growth.