Factors Influencing the Choice of the National Open University of Nigeria by Post Graduate Students
1Ihuoma, Chinwe Patience
Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja
2Balarabe Maimuna Musa
Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja
Abstract
Undergraduate and Postgraduate education have become more marketable than ever before. This is because it provides candidates with specialized skills and competencies, paving way for promotion and widening career choices. Students seeking postgraduate studies apply to institutions of their choice. This paper is set to find out what makes a student to choose one university and not the other. A survey research design was used to collect data using questionnaires and a sample of 120 students. The questionnaire was a 4-point Likert-like rating scale constructed by the researchers. The instrument was validated by experts in Measurement & Evaluation and a reliability index of 0.63 was calculated using Pearson Product Moment Correlational analysis. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to analyze the data collected. SPSS 23 statistical package was used for data analysis. It was discovered that uniqueness and quality of programmes offered, predictability of duration of course, availability of Lecturers and supervisors, ICT enabled mode of studies and geographical location, were significant factors in the choice of NOUN for Post Graduate studies. The National Open University of Nigeria should therefore ensure that the programmes offered are relevant and productive so that more students may choose this institution for professional development.
Keywords
Factors, Choice, NOUN and Post Graduate students
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