EFFECT OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANAGEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAMME DELIVERY AND EMPLOYABILITY POTENTIALS OF FINAL YEAR STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITIES IN RIVERS STATE.

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between school environment, management education programme delivery and employability potentials of final year students in Universities in Rivers State. The study utilized the exploratory survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 2,275 lecturers and students of management education in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University (RSU). Using the Krejcie and Morgan Population Determination Table of 1970, the sample size became 331. Structured questionnaire was used as the main instrument for the collection of primary data. Out of 331 questionnaire copies distributed to the target respondents, the researcher was able to retrieve two hundred and ninety-eight (298) copies of the questionnaire distributed. The test of hypotheses was done using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient. The Partial Correlation Technique was be used to run the multivariate analysis. The study reveal that the level at which management education programme delivery correlates with employability potentials of final years students in Rivers State University is very strongly moderated by school environment – school culture, learning opportunities and school policy. The study concluded that the strong desire and acquisition of effective communication, leadership abilities, and creativity/innovativeness through the delivery of the right curriculum, subject matter, and examination and supervision in management education programme are great facilitators to the acquisition of jobs, even in a tough economy. The study recommended, among others, that tertiary institutions where management education programme is offered should organize seminars and workshops that will feature subject matter delivery, thereby building the students effective communication and creativity/innovativeness for higher chances of employment.