Skills acquisition in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and graduates profitability in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the benefit inherent in skills acquisition in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education vis-à-vis the institutions attended by and courses offered by graduates of colleges of education to their environment. Two research questions and three hypotheses were respectively addressed. An ex-post-facto design was adopted. A sample of 385 (125 Mathematics and 260 Integrated Science) college graduates selected via quota sampling participated in the study. Graduates Profitability Scale was the instrument used for collecting data whose reliability index was .81 as computed from test retest reliability. Data collected were treated with statistical tools that provided results for answering the research questions and explanation for tested hypotheses. It was found that college graduates were beneficial to their environment with regards to the institutions and courses offered which showed no significant difference but the desirability of the institutions and courses offered by the college graduates were both positively correlated linearly. It was recommended in view of the findings that all round training should be sustained for all courses offered in colleges of education, teachers in training should be prepared to acquire dynamics such as trouble shooting capabilities with goal oriented usability which school managers are seeking for as well as showcase ability to communicate effectively.