An Analysis of Problems Encountered by Post-graduate Students in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

This study analyzed the problems encountered by postgraduate students that hindered their studies inNigerian universities. This was necessitated by the observation that most postgraduate students in Nigeria tend tograduate long after the stipulated time period for their programmes, indicating an apparent disparity between “whatis” and “what ought to be” in running postgraduate programmes in Nigeria. It was hypothesized that the problemsencountered delayed the timely completion of studies. Literature was reviewed on the Production Theory in Educationwhich rests on the “Input-process-output” model as the theoretical framework for the study, as well as the needsassessment of higher education. The data collection instrument, designated Postgraduate Students ProblemsQuestionnaire (PGSPQ) was developed by the investigator and validated by a jury of experts. The universities werestratified along ownership. The research design was ex-post-facto, no variable was manipulated. The subjects were438 postgraduate students studying in sixteen Federal-owned and nine State-owned universities in Nigeria. Oneresearch question was answered and one null hypothesis tested in the study at the 0.05 level of significance. Thefindings revealed that the system is plagued with numerous complex and deep-rooted problems ranging from systems/procedural problems to socio-politico problems and personal/psychological problems, and that these problemsactually hindered their studies and contributed to late graduation. Recommendations were made with the intent toattract greater attention from the producers of education in Nigeria if the maximum potentials of scholars at thislevel must be effectively tapped for greater productivity, and thus, national development.