Determinants of Career Choice among Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Students in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the determinants of career choice among final-year Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE III) students within tertiary institutions in Katsina State, Nigeria. Prompted by regional teacher shortages and widespread career dissatisfaction among pre-service teachers, the research assessed the impacts of internal motivation, parental background, peer networks, academic exposure, and gender roles. Using a descriptive survey research design with stratified random sampling, primary data were gathered via a structured questionnaire from 60 final-year students across three conventional tertiary institutions spanning the state’s three senatorial zones. Data were processed using simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, and independent samples t-tests. The statistical findings indicate that parental influence is the strongest predictor, accounting for 51.1% of the variance in career choice (R² = .511, F1, 58) = 60.59, p < .05), followed by internal personal drivers (R² = .412, p < .05). While the joint effect of peer groups and academic exposure was statistically significant (R² = .354, p < .05), stepwise regression proved that peer influence alone was non-significant (β = .09, p = .303), whereas institutional academic exposure significantly guided student paths (β = .541, p = .001). Additionally, a significant gender disparity emerged t(58) = 2.45, p = .017), with male students experiencing higher socio-economic pressure regarding vocational decisions. The study concludes that local cultural expectations and formal training frameworks override informal peer dynamics. It recommends the institutionalization of gender-sensitive, proactive career counseling interventions within northern Nigerian teacher education structures to enhance retention.

Keywords: Career Choice, NCE Students, Parental Influence, Academic Exposure, Gender Disparities, Katsina State.