Authors: Amarachi Cynthia Ineye-Briggs
Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between digital learning accessibility and workforce skills development among adult learners in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two specific objectives, two research questions, and two corresponding null hypotheses. A correlational research design was adopted. The population comprised 5,224 adult learners enrolled in continuing education programmes 2025/2026 sessions, from which a sample of 301 respondents was selected using the Taro Yamane formula and stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using two researcher-developed instruments: the Questionnaire on Access to Digital Devices (QADD) and the Internet Connectivity and Workforce Skills Development Scale (ICWSDS). The instruments were validated by experts and yielded reliability coefficients of 0.82 and 0.79 respectively using Cronbach Alpha. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to answer the research questions, while t-test statistics were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a strong and significant relationship between access to digital devices and workforce skills development, as well as between internet connectivity and workforce skills development. It was recommended that government and relevant stakeholders should improve access to affordable digital devices and expand reliable internet infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to enhance adult learners’ workforce readiness and lifelong learning outcomes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23727725
