STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AS A CAREER CHOICE IN NIGERIA: CASE STUDY OF RUFUS GIWA POLYTECHNIC OWO, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to test the effects of students’ perception on the selection of Agricultural Engineering as a career choice in Nigeria with Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, as a case study. The study relied on both secondary and primary data collected from the use of questionnaire complemented with oral interviews amongst the students of the department, respectively. Data were analysed using simple statistics and graphical plots. The result showed poor enrolment of students (<10%) in the department of Agricultural Engineering compared to other departments in the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the Polytechnic, during the years 2013-2019. Based on perception, over 83.3% students had negative perception concerning job opportunity after graduation, more than 73% students had negative perception concerning government policy and only 21% of students had positive perception towards Agricultural Engineering. Therefore, the study recommended well-targeted awareness campaigns and social re-orientation, provisions of incentives such as reduced school fees and creation of enabling environment for investors to invest into agriculture and agro-allied industries. 

Keywords: Perception, Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Career Choice, Policy