Lecturers’ perspectives on enhancing university graduates’ employability in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

The growing rate of unemployment among the university graduates in Nigeria has become a serious social problem and it has given birth to various social menace in the society. This study investigated the lecturers’ perspectives on enhancing university graduates’ employability in Nigeria. The respondents comprised 120 lecturers drawn from six (6) universities in south -west, Nigeria. One research question was raised to guide the study and two hypotheses were formulated for the study. Researchers –constructed questionnaire titled “Lecturers Perspectives on enhancing university graduates’ employability” was used for data collection for the study. The instrument was validated by five experts in the Department of Arts and Social Science Education. The split halt reliability method was used to measure the internal consistency of the instrument. The reliability co-efficient was calculated and value of 0.78 was obtained. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage, mean scores and t-test statistical analysis. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the lecturers agreed thatthere is need for the undergraduates to acquire transferable skills and a broad-based experience,  The findings of the study also revealed that majority of the lecturers agreed that the undergraduates need to be exposed to internship and work experience irrespective of their field of study. In addition, majority of the lecturers agreed thatguidance and counseling services should be vigorously pursued and revived in our institutions of learning. Based on the findings of this study, some recommendations were made; School authority should expose the undergraduates to internship and work experience scheme irrespective of their field of study. School authority should establish guidance and counselling unit to provide supportive service for the students especially on career related issues.  Government should improve the school environment by providing adequate infrastructural facilities, instructional materials that will enhance broad based experience among the undergraduates.