Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Multivariate analysis of factors that influences the choice of agriculture as a course of study among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities

3^rd Global Food Security, Food Safety & Sustainability Conference

May 21-22, 2018 | New York, USA

Iliyasu A Y

Federal University Dutse, Nigeria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

This paper analyzes the factors that influence choice of courses among undergraduate students of agriculture in Nigerian universities. A total of 480 final year students of agriculture from twelve federal universities were randomly selected. Structured questionnaires were administered to sample the opinions of respondents in each of the universities. Data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution, chi-square, regression and correlation analyses, as well as analysis of variance and the Likert attitude scale. Results obtained revealed that undergraduate students of agriculture in Nigerian universities were mostly single (86.9%), males (65.9%) and between the ages of 21 â?? 30 years. The choice of agriculture as a course of study was mostly (70.3%) out of their interest. There was no relationship (p<0.05) between parentsâ?? type of occupation and students course of study. Furthermore, parents of the students are found to be literate (62.1%) with varying levels of tertiary education. There is a significant relationship (p<0.05) between types of agricultural education and sex, while university type, age and marital status show no significant relationship. However, there is no significant relationship with university type, age sex and marital status. It is therefore recommended that government should encourage the study of agriculture by providing the enabling environment such as capital and land to enable fresh graduate take to agriculture as a business and a career. iliyasuyusuf1@yahoo.co.uk