Challenges Facing Adult Learners in the Management of PNCE Sandwich Program in University of Port Harcourt Nigeria: The Way Forward

Abstract

The study examined the challenges facing adult learners in the management of PNCE sandwich program in University of Port Harcourt. Three research questions were postulated and answered in the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised all the sandwich students of 2018/2019 session. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 50 students from the total population. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire developed by the researcher titled ‘Challenges facing Adult Learners in the management of PNCE Sandwich Program Questionnaire'' (CALMAPSAPQ). Mean statistics was used to answer the research questions. The study revealed among others that, students are faced with both dispositional and institutional challenges in the management of PNCE sandwich program of University of Port Harcourt such as; inability to manage time to face studies squarely since adult learners tend to have more responsibilities, delay in the start of the program as students do not start lecture on time and lecturers not regular in class due to other work commitments. The study also revealed strategies for managing PNCE program among others; provision of adequate classrooms to enhance effective teaching and learning and school fees payment policy should be reviewed so that these learners can pay half of it in each semester rather than paying in bulk. The study therefore concluded and recommended that when the strategies are adopted it will help to reduce the challenges facing adult learners and yearly intake and enrolment will be encouraged