Factors influencing agricultural students' academic performance at the University of Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to examine the factors affecting the academic performance of agricultural students at the University of Abuja Nigeria. Data were collected by the use of structured questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The population of this study comprises all active registered agricultural students faculty of agriculture across levels and departments from 100 levels to PhD except 400 level students that were on industrial training. Convenience, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to collect data. Yaro Yamani formula was used to calculate the sample size (284). Descriptive statistic was used to analyze all the objectives. 53.8% of the respondents are female while 46.2% are male. 48.4% of the students have an age range between 21-30 years. 49.6% of the respondent has a household size of 1-5. 84% of the respondents are undergraduate students. 55.5% of the respondents have monthly school allowances/ income of 10,000-50,000. This study found that uncomfortable learning environments, family background, difficulties in understanding the subject of agriculture, teachers students ratio, information overload, performance pressure, unhealthy lifestyle, gadgets distractions, loss of interest and wrong reading practice, over-confidence, poor teaching skills, exams phobia, inadequate power/electricity supply, inadequate hostel accommodation, unequipped laboratories, poor diet, poor class attendance, financial problems, wrong mindset, procrastination, poor time management/ laziness and lack of preparation are the factors militating against excellent academic performance of the students in the study area with a mean score of 2 and above. The following recommendations were made. A more conducive learning and working environment should be provided for both students and lecturers in the faculty. Instructional materials as well as well-equipped laboratories should be provided for the faculty. Finally, the students should be sensitized on the importance of being hard-working, focused and determined in the pursuit of their studies.