Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the important graduate attributes in computing disciplines perceived by lecturers of the three sectors of Nigerian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) desirable for entry into computing profession in Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted. Fifty (50) academic staff of computer related disciplines from each of the HEIs sectors (Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education) in the North-Central Nigeria were screened and used through convenience random and purposive sampling methods. The Computing Disciplines’ Graduate Attributes Scale (CDGAS) (r = 0.82) was the research instrument used in gleaning the field data. Four research questions were raised and one hypothesis formulated, tested and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical package. The findings identified 13, 17 and 16 important graduate attributes desirable to prepare graduates from Nigerian Universities, Polytechnic and Colleges of Educations (COEs) respectively for entry into computing profession. Common amongst the identified graduate attributes are: collaboration and teamwork, lifelong learning skills, cognitive ability and practical skills, effective communication skills and leadership quality. Also, result from hypothesis testing showed a significant relationship amongst the identified graduate attributes in computing discipline in all sectors of HIEs in Nigeria. (F = 0.610; Critical Value = 3.12; P < 0.05). Conclusively, the study recommended that career development support efforts should be included in the curriculum, which will focus on helping prospective graduate in computing related discipline on their academic abilities, personal qualities and skills.
Highlights
Graduate attributes “encompass values, attitudes, critical thinking, ethical and professional behaviour, and the capacity of a graduate to take what has been learnt beyond the site of learning” [4]
Research question 1 asks “What graduate attributes in computing disciplines do academics of Nigeria Universities consider desirable to prepare graduates for entry into a computing profession?” The findings revealed that important graduate attributes in computing discipline such as: Leadership quality, collaboration and teamwork; Cognitive ability and skills in practical skills relating to solution of mathematical problems and its application; Ability to apply knowledge to solving theoretical and practical problems in other related area in relation to national and societal needs; Creativity and innovative thinking; Communication effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills; Lifelong learning skills, were most desirable graduate attributes in computing discipline that academics in the Nigerian Universities considered for entry computing professions
Graduate attributes that are concerned with leadership and team work are of high priority requirement to university graduate for entry into computing profession, while attributes that are concerned with ability and or cognitive ability, practical and creativity skills are considered top requirements to polytechnic graduates for entry into computing profession
Summary
Graduate attributes “encompass values, attitudes, critical thinking, ethical and professional behaviour, and the capacity of a graduate to take what has been learnt beyond the site of learning” [4] In other words, they are attributes, which are oriented towards knowledge, skills and competences that are required of graduates to practice at their working career. As capacity building for CS trainers became necessary, graduates of mathematics trained at MSc or PhD level in disciplines related to CS Those who did not train in CS at the undergraduate level lacked aspects of CS foundation and could not competently undertake the research required by higher degrees in CS [5]. Such formal training includes certificate, diploma or degree in computing These categories of people are involved development, maintenance, and usage of computers. The second stage, following a period of training and experience, may lead to professional registration, licensure, or some other professional recognition, depending on the professional body or jurisdiction [5]
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