ATTITUDE OF STUDENTS TOWARDS AGRICULTURAL CAREER-ORIENTED TRAINING CONTENTS IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES
Authors: Ajuwon, Ibrahim Opeyemi; Alabi, Ajeronke Florence; Olabimisi, Akinwale Dami and Oladoyinbo, Oluseun Babatunde
Ajuwon, Ibrahim Opeyemi: Department of Agricultural Technology, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Alabi, Ajeronke Florence: Department of Agricultural Technology, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Olabimisi, Akinwale Dami: Department of Agricultural Technology, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Oladoyinbo, Oluseun Babatunde: Department of Agricultural Technology, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Agricultural education is critical for preparing students for careers in farming, research, extension, and agribusiness, yet youth engagement in agriculture remains limited. This study assessed students’ attitudes toward agricultural career-oriented training contents in Southwestern Nigerian universities. Using a multistage sampling technique, 304 final-year undergraduate students from six universities were selected. Data were collected with structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Duncan Multiple Range Test. Results showed that respondents were mostly young (93.1% aged 21–30 years; mean = 24 years) and single (94.4%). Most studied agriculture as their first-choice course (80.9%). Access to training varied, with agriculture-oriented internships (WMS = 1.95) being most accessible, while film shows (0.78) was least accessible. Attitudinal assessment indicated that 87.2% of respondents had a favourable attitude toward training contents, with highest ratings for hands-on practical skills, capacity building, and career preparedness (WMS = 4.07–4.00). ANOVA revealed no significant difference in overall attitudes across universities (F = 1.529; p = 0.180). The study implies that practical, career-oriented agricultural training positively influences students’ attitudes and engagement, underscoring the need to expand experiential learning, climate-smart curricula, mentorship, facilities, and entrepreneurship support to promote agriculture as a viable career for Nigerian youth.
Keywords: Agricultural education; career-oriented training; student attitudes; experiential learning; Southwestern Nigeria