CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
to the study
Science education aims at producing scientist for national
development as well as individuals who will be self-reliant and competent in
their specialization. According to Hornby (2010) to be competent means that a
person has the ability or power to demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes
that are sufficiently required to perform a given task. It is a functional
ability to apply to practical situation the essential principles and techniques
of a particular subject matter or field. Universities are regarded as principal
institutions of learning in Nigeria. They give complete ability training
intended to prepare students for various occupations. Assessment of programming
skills means the ability of graduates of computer science education to secure,
perform well in a computer job, establish it and manage it. If the individual
is well trained in computer science education with the necessary skills needed,
then the person can possess necessary skills for self-employment.
The National Policy on education (FME,2004) stated that the
need for functional education which should be relevant, practical and tailored
towards acquisition of appropriate skills and development of competencies and
values which will enable an individual to live and contribute meaningfully to
the development of his society.
Osuala (2002) stated that the employable skills are those
skills that help someone keep a job. There are various areas of employable
skills. Programming skills is one of the skills required in a computer science
education student for paid jobs or self-employment upon graduation. With the
proper acquisition of programming skills, graduates from computer science program
can become self-employed for wealth creation. Programming has been one of the
highest advancing technology in this era, which computer science education
students must possess.
Dennis and Durojaiye (2000) pointed out that anyone connected
with programming needs to keep up with technological development, competency
and manipulative skills. Hence, in this
study, computer science education are being assessed to
determine the level of programming skills they possess that will enable them
become self-employed on graduation.
1.2 Statement
of the Problem
The growing number of idle graduates or unemployed graduates
from different disciplines and especially computer science education graduates
is alarming. Buttressing this point, the president of Lagos Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (LCCI), lamented that unemployment rate has risen to a frightening
level of 23.9%, youth unemployment is at 50%, the poverty situation has been
worsening, currently estimated at 67%.
He also said that economic growth is not the only situation
to curb unemployment in Nigeria, because official statistics have shown that
unemployment did not always decline as economic growth. Rather other factors
such as provision of right skills to the youth to enable them live a prosperous
and fulfilled life. There is need therefore to assess the programming skills
needed by a computer science education student so that they can make a useful
living upon graduation.
1.3 Purpose
of the Study
The main purpose of the study is to assess the programming
skills needed by a computer science education student for self-employment.
Specifically, the study intends to:
1.
Identify
the essential programming skills needed by a computer science education
students for self-employment.
2.
Outline
the problems militating against the acquisition of the basic and essential
programming skills.
3.
Identify
strategies for enhancing competency in programming skills among the computer
science education graduates.
1.4 Research Questions
1.
What
are the essential programming skills needed by a computer science education
students for self-employment?
2.
What
are the problems militating against the acquisition of the basic and essential
programming skills?
3.
What
are the strategies for enhancing competency in programming skills among the
computer science education graduates?
1.5 Significance
of the Study
The findings of this study will be beneficial to the
graduates of computer science education, the curriculum planners, future
researchers and government of the nation.
1.
To
graduates, the results of this study will serve as a guide to acquire the
skills and competencies required by the employers of the industry so as to
bridge the gap between the theoretical, laboratory and real life practical experience.
2.
To
the curriculum planners, the findings of this study will serve as a tool for
curriculum evaluation showing what needs to be removed, rearranged, and
inculcated to attain the stated educational goal of computer science education
and the entire science education program.
3.
To
the future researchers, the result of this study will guide them on what is and
what needs to be done in the future. It will point out areas to channel their
future research using the recommendation of this study.
4.
To
the government, it will open their mind on how to reform our educational sector
to solve the societal needs. It will also guide them on new policy and the
amendment of existing ones for achievement of the national goal or education.
1.6 Scope of
the Study
This study was delimited to assess programming skills needed
by the graduates of computer science education. The programming skills were
gotten from the opinion of the employers in the field of computer science
education and experts in computer science industries. The new trends were
gotten from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
magazine while the strategies for effective acquisition of these skills were
gotten from workshop scientist of government owned universities, polytechnics
and colleges of education.
1.7 Limitation
of Study
Some of the major constraints the researchers encountered
in putting up this research include lack of time, lack of willingness to give
information by respondent and also limited resources.