AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOW ENROLMENT OF STUDENTS IN HISTORY IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION: A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Abstract

This study is an investigation into the factors responsible for low enrolment of students in history in Tertiary Institutions: A case study of University of Benin. The study employed five (5) specific objectives which include: to assess the factors that influence students’ choice of History as a course; to examine whether personality of students affect students’ enrolment in history course in University of Benin; to find out whether the attitude of students towards history affects their enrolment in history; to evaluate whether History graduates have the chances of acquiring lucrative employment in Nigeria and to find out whether government policies affect students’ enrolment in studying history in University of Benin. The study adopted a survey design which was used to source data from targeted respondents using simple random sampling technique. The study employed simple percentage was used to analyse the research questions. The result shows that personality of students’ has significant influence on students’ enrolment in history, the attitude of students towards history has significant influence on enrolment in history, parental influence in society has significant influence students’ choice of history, history graduates have no much chance in acquiring lucrative employment in Nigeria, and government policies have significant influence on students’ enrolment in history in University of Benin. The study recommends that students coming into the University should be given proper orientation in the secondary school on the place of personality in career choice and the importance of all courses including history. Students should be made to development positive attitude towards history as it will help them appreciate the importance of history in nation building. Parents should encourage their children to consider taking up career in history. Government should provide employment for graduates of history as it will help younger members of the society to consider taking career in history. Government should make favourable policies that will significantly aid to study of history in our tertiary institutions.