Abstract

The benefits of adult literacy programs to socioeconomic development have been well researched and documented. Salient among researchers, organizations, and policymakers is the ability to increase enrollment rates and retain adult learners in the programs. While several African countries have implemented different adult literacy interventions to curb the level of illiteracy, this study specifically examined the factors that motivate adult learners in South Africa and Nigeria and investigated the one that is most prominent. Furthermore, the study ascertained if there is a significant difference in the level of motivation between adult learners in South Africa and Nigeria. The study deployed a survey research design where adult learners from literacy centers in both countries were randomly selected to complete the research instruments. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentage and frequency counts and inferential statistics, that is, a T-Test to test for differences. The findings of the study revealed that adult learners in the two countries have similarities in their motivation to learn. There was, however, no statistical difference in the motivation among adult learners in South Africa and Nigeria. In conclusion, the study established that in planning or implementing any adult literacy program, the factors that should be considered—especially in the African context and this model—can effectively help adult learners respond to classes and increase the level of adult literacy rates in the two countries.