COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GRADUATION PATTERNS OF NCE GRADUATES FROM STATE AND FEDERAL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE OF NIGERIA BETWEEN 2017-2021

Abstract

This research investigates the comparative patterns of enrolment and graduation patterns between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South zone of Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey design, the study utilized primary and secondary data sources, including student records and a 25-item Likert scale questionnaire to gather information from a sample of 1,056 students across eight Colleges. Three research hypotheses guided the study, with data analysed using Chi-square, independent t-test, simple percentages, and one-way ANOVA. The first hypothesis, testing the difference between enrolment and graduation pattern, was supported by a Chi-square value of 633.447, surpassing the critical value of 16.919, indicating significant disparities. The second hypothesis, examining differences between Federal and State Colleges, was tested with an independent t-test, revealing a t-value of 4.43 compared to a critical value of 2.776, confirming significant differences in enrolment and graduation patterns between the two types of institutions. The third hypothesis addressed factors influencing enrolment and graduation, with data analysed through one-way ANOVA showing an F-value of 90.45 and a p-value of 0.0013, indicating significant differences in perceptions between lecturers and students. The findings suggest notable disparities in educational outcomes between Federal and State Colleges, and differences in perceptions regarding influencing factors. Recommendations include policy makers addressing these disparities through equitable support and involving both lecturers and students in addressing enrolment and graduation challenges to improve educational outcomes.