ASSESSMENT ON THE RELEVANCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION GRADUATES TO POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS IN OTHER FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION (A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY)

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the relevance of English Language Education Graduates to Potential Employers in Other Fields of Specialization (A Case Study of the University of Benin, Benin City). The design adopted for this study was the descriptive survey method. Five (5) research questions were raised to guide this study: What are the ICT competency skills possessed by English Language Graduates in the University of Benin, Benin City? What are the interpersonal skills possessed by English Language graduates in the University of Benin, Benin City? What are the technical skills needed by employers to consider English Language graduates relevant to work in their organizations? What are the challenges faced by English Language graduates in the University of Benin, Benin City? What are the possible solutions to the identified problems faced by English Language graduates before potential employers in the University of Benin, Benin City? The population of the study for this research work consisted of all students in the thirteen (13) in the University of Benin, Benin City. The sample size for this study was a total number of two hundred (200) students who were selected using the simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from respondents, which was tagged, “Students’ Questionnaire on Assessing the Relevance of English Language Education Graduates to Potential Employers in Other Fields of Specialization”. Data collected from the survey was statistically analyzed. After analysis, results were displayed on tables showing frequencies and percentages of responses. It was found that graduates don’t dress well when looking for job in organizations. It was also found that a good number of graduates makes use of informal languages among others. A good number of graduates also lack ICT Skills, interpersonal skills among others. It was therefore recommended that graduates should keep a good dress style in order to be responsible before employers. Also, it was recommended that graduates should endeavor to manage their time well and also provide all the necessary certificates and skills to be relevant before employers in all fields of specialization.