A Comparative Investigation into the Prospects and Problems of Secondary School Science Delivery in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) Abuja.

Abstract

A survey of the prospects and problems of secondary school science delivery in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory was conducted involving 100 science teachers (51 from FCT and 49 from Niger State). Using a questionnaire containing a-prospects and problems in Science teaching (PAPIST) scale comprising five (5) sub-scales. A comparative analysis of each sub-scale as well as that of the entire PAPIST scale using means, standard deviations and coefficients of variation was made. Tests of significant on the sub-scales and PAPIST scale were also computed using t-statistic. Results shows that F.C.T. schools are a bit better placed in terms of infrastructure, equipment and materials than Niger State schools. Both FCT and Niger State schools showed a positive performance with means greater than the 2.5 mean divide line. The same trend was observed in the student readiness and participation sub-scale. However, in the assessment and evaluation sub-scale, Niger State schools showed a better performance than FCT schools, with both making it above the average. On the policy provision/instruction sub-scale as well as the personnel preparedness and utilization sub-scale, both groups performed below the average. Despite these variations, there were no significant differences in their performances on the t-test scores on the various sub-scales and the overall PAPIST scale. Implication for science teaching, curriculum implementation and review were highlighted and recommendations made.