Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess the programming skills
possessed by a computer science education student for selfemployment
Anambra State.The population of the study
comprises a sample of a total of 100 computer science
education students in both Federal and State universities in
Anambra State. Three research questions guided the study. The
instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire
which was made up of a five (5) point rating scale was used in
the data analysis. A mean of 3.0 and above was adopted as a
cut of mark for the acceptance of items. The data collected was
analysed using mean and standard deviation. The result of the
analysis shows that the students in computer science education
lack the necessary programming skills needed for selfemployment
in Anambra state. Based on the findings of the
study, conclusions were drawn and 4 recommendations were
made on how to better the above-mentioned problem.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
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.
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.
Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of the study is to assess the programming
skills needed by a computer science education student for selfemployment.
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.
Significance of theStudy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research Questions
In an effort to ensure a proper study, the following research
questions were formulated.
i .To what extent does computer science education students
possess the following programming skills?
ii. What are the factors that are militating against the
acquisition of essential programming skill by computer science
education students?
iii. What are the strategies for enhancing or improving the
competencies in essential programming skills in computer
science education students for self-em