A Study of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Graduates between 2003 And 2015 (Published)
This study aimed at assessing NCE graduates from Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi between 2003 and 2015 with the objective of examining NCE graduates’ study experiences, job search, employment and impact of curriculum on work. A descriptive survey which adopted three objectives, tracer study steps posited by Schomburg (2003) was designed using 13 sets of NCE graduates from Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi with a population of 3,641. The instrument used was tagged NCE Graduates’ Tracer Study Core Questionnaire and it is an adapted version of the Standard Instrument for Graduate Tracer Study 2011 of the University XY 2011. The questionnaire was used to obtain data from 590 respondents who were selected using the stratified proportionate and snowball sampling techniques. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that 80% of the NCE graduates work in private and public establishments and there is no significant link between employment categories of NCE graduates and their school programme type. The College has favourable learning space and both male and female respondents were satisfied with the relevance of NCE curriculum to their job assignment. There was no significant difference in their rating of curriculum relevance. Based on the findings, it is recommended that NCE Minimum Standard should be reviewed to address the training gaps observed in the NCE curriculum to enhance employability quality of its graduates. The College should utilize the opportunity of its favourable learning space to improve upon its ICT, laboratories, accommodation, clinics, students center and cafeteria
Keywords: Minimum Standards, Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), school program type, tracer study