Authors : B.A. Ayanwale and D.H. Laagye
Abstract: An investigation was conducted into the problems militating against student’s enrolment in agricultural studies at the university level in Nigeria. Students in the Schools of Engineering, Agriculture, Science and Science Education, and Environmental studies were used. The research involved structural questionnaires and interviews. In all, a total of 4.852 students were used for the work. The results showed that only 15% of the students whose parents had farming background or were farmers read to the university level. About 82% of the respondents agreed that agriculture has something to offer if well developed in the country. They see agriculture, at its present form, as not being a prestigious profession. Also, 94% of the respondents agreed that the money being spent on agriculture is not a waste. The notion that students with weak passes in West African School Certificate Examination/Senior School Certificate Examination (WASCE/SSCE) results took to agriculture was rebuffed. However, they call for proper guidance and counseling before a career choice is made in the tertiary institutions. It was concluded that children from farm families should be empowered to pursue agricultural career up to the university level. This work shows that student still hold positive perceptions of agriculture in spite of its low enrolment in the tertiary institutions in the country.
B.A. Ayanwale and D.H. Laagye , 2007. Perception of Agriculture by Students of Tertiary Institution in Nigeria . Agricultural Journal, 2: 271-274.