Matthew A. M. Thomas

Bio: Matthew A. M. Thomas is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topic(s): Managerial economics & Needs assessment. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publication(s) receiving 2 citation(s).

An assessment of the taught entrepreneurship programin Nigerian secondary schools

Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the current entrepreneurship program offered in Nigerian secondary schools as regards its consistence with inculcating the necessary enterprise skills required by secondary school students to start their own business or venture. This is targeted at curbing youth unemployment in Nigeria. A qualitative approach was used based on a survey method. Data was collated on the current trend of entrepreneurship program in secondary schools in Nigeria from three selected schools in the metropolitan area of Kaduna state. The study found out that the present entrepreneurship program in the sample schools covers the required content but the method of teaching was not practical oriented and was void of real life situations. Thus the program was not effective at motivating secondary school students to start their own businesses. Therefore this study recommended that entrepreneurship education be taught as a separate subject with a practical approach. Finally this study posits that government support and a stable socio – economic environment is crucial to entrepreneurial development towards combating youth unemployment in Nigeria.

Admission Crisis In Nigerian Universities : The Challenges Youth And Parents Face In Seeking Admission

Abstract: The need for access to university education has recently become vital in Nigeria as a result of an increase in the college-age population and an awareness of the role of university education in the development of the individual as well as the nation. Recent admission policies of Nigerian universities have been dissatisfactory to the Nigerian public as many applicants and parents go through difficulties while seeking admission for limited available spaces in the universities. Universities take the task of admission of students into the academic system seriously, using the guidelines set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The National Universities Commission (NUC), which regulates university education in terms of standards, has set policies based on merit, carrying capacity, catchment areas, and quota for educationally disadvantaged states as criteria for admission into all universities. It has been argued that rather than these policies enhancing access to university education, the criteria restrict access to higher education. Each year, thousands of applicants sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations and less than twenty percent (20%) on the average gain admission into the universities. This study reviews research on the historical overview of the Nigerian higher education system, organizational system of Nigerian universities, and scholarly views on the factors (such as inadequate number of universities/absorption capacity in Nigeria, lack of adequate facilities, and shortage of adequate manpower) and admission policies (such as carrying capacity, catchment areas, and quota for educationally disadvantaged states) that are responsible for the admission crisis in Nigeria and have a direct effect on parents and students regarding admission. The review concludes that the above factors and policies are the actual cause of the admission crisis in Nigeria, leading many parents and youth to face difficult challenges in seeking admission.