CHALLENGES OF COOPERATIVE AND WORK- INTEGRATED EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA
Abstract
The 21st century is associated with advancement in technology that has affected almost every facet of human endeavour. This has made it imperative for educational institutions to produce graduates that are globally competitive. Cooperative and work-integrated education is an out-of-school type of education designed to equip undergraduates with requisite practical skills, knowledge and abilities that will not only make them competitive but also help them to be employable. Cooperative and work-integrated education in Nigeria like in other countries is confronted with several challenges that are impeding the achievement of its objectives. This study is an attempt to identify the challenges of cooperative and work-integrated education from the perspective of undergraduates and employers of labour. The study employed the qualitative research method and the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all 400-level undergraduate students who have undergone one form of a work-integrated programme or the other and employers of labour in some selected organizations. 120 undergraduates and six employers of labour were selected for the study. Data were collected using a combination of researcher-made questionnaires and Focused Group discussions. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The study revealed among other things that the duration of most of the work-integrated programmes is inadequate, and that the programme is confronted with several challenges despite its relevance in enhancing employability. Based on the findings it was recommended that there should be adequate funding by the government.
