INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEME AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OTUOKE

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between the industrial training scheme and academic achievement of business education students at Federal University Otuoke. Specifically, it sought to: (i) determine the relationship between internship duration and academic achievement, and (ii) examine the relationship between skill acquisition level and academic achievement. A correlational survey design was employed as the research methodology. The population of the study comprised all business education students at Federal University Otuoke in the 2023–2024 academic session. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of the population. Data were collected using two researcher-developed instruments: The Industrial Training Scheme Scale (ITSS) and the Students’ Academic Achievement Scale (SAAS), both structured to measure the variables under investigation. The instruments’ validity was ensured through expert reviews from the Departments of Business Education and Measurement and Evaluation at Federal University Otuoke. Reliability testing using Cronbach’s Alpha yielded coefficients of 0.88 and 0.87 for ITSS and SAAS, respectively, indicating strong internal consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). The results revealed a significant positive relationship between internship duration, skill acquisition level, and academic achievement. These findings highlighted the importance of adequately structured industrial training schemes in enhancing the academic performance of business education students.