An Evaluation of the Determinants Influencing Student's Enrollment into Agricultural Education Programme in Colleges of Education in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the determinants influencing student's enrollment into Agricultural Education programme in College of Education in South Eastern Nigeria. Agricultural Education plays a critical role in the productions of qualified agricultural science teachers, promotion of sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment and national food security. Despite its importance, Students' enrollment into Agricultural Education programme in Colleges of Education across South Eastern Nigeria has remained persistently low, necessitating an empirical investigation into the determinants responsible for this trend. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and was conducted in five selected Colleges of Education in the region, namely Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Abia State College of Education Arochukwu, Imo State College of Education Ihitte uboma, Federal College of Education, Eha Amufu, Enugu State and Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo. The population of the study comprised 60 lecturers, 150 students and 30 administrators, totally 240 respondents drawn from five Colleges of Education in South Eastern Nigeria. A sample size of 120 respondents, consisting of 30 lecturers, 75 students and 15 administrators was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Determinants of Enrollment into Agricultural Education Questionnaire (DEAEQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Agricultural Education and Measurement and Evaluation, while its reliability was established using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics specifically mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that personal factors such as students' interest, career aspirations and academic ability significantly influenced Enrolled into the programme. Family and peer factors, including parental encouragement, peer influence and family background, were also found to be significant determinants. Furthermore, socio-economic and societal factors such as job prospects, societal perception of agriculture, income potential and government support significantly affected students' enrollment decision. The study equally established that institutional factors, including availability of facilities, quality of instruction, institutional reputation and admission policies, significantly influenced students' enrollment into Agricultural Education Programme. The study concluded that enrollment into Agricultural Education is a multifactorial decision influenced by personal, social, economic and institutional variables. It was recommended that stakeholders address these determinants holistically to improve students' enrollment and participation in Agricultural Education Programme in South Eastern Nigeria