Perceptions of Akwa Ibom State University Agricultural Students on Practical Year Programme

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria

2 Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Kwara State University, Kwara State, Nigeria.

3 Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria.

4 Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria.

Abstract

The agricultural undergraduate curriculum in Nigeria was restructured by the introduction of a practical year program (PYP) for students. This study investigated Students' perspectives, constraints, and strategies for enhancing PYP, as well as the impact of PYP on future career choices. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain data from students. The data was analyzed with the help of frequency distribution and mean. Students had a favorable (sufficient) opinion of PYP, and they formed a positive attitude toward agriculture as a source of income, according to the findings. Delay in payment of allowances (3.48), difficulties combining agricultural work with lectures (3.08), and insufficient safety equipment to be used by students were among the perceived constraints and mean scores (2.95). The conclusion was reached that addressing undergraduate skill acquisition through the PYP would ensure youth employment in extension organizations and efficient extension service delivery to farmers. This would allow for long-term agricultural development.

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