PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS TOWARDS FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE AS A CAREER CHOICE IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN ZAMFARA STATE

This study investigated the perception of students towards fisheries and aquaculture as a career choice in
Colleges of Education in Zamfara State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with
a population comprising students from Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau and Zamfara
State College of Education, Maru. Using stratified random sampling, 200 students were selected, and
data were collected through a structured questionnaire validated by experts, with a Cronbach’s Alpha
reliability coefficient of 0.81. Out of the 200 questionnaires distributed, 190 were retrieved and analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 78.9% of respondents demonstrated
moderate to high awareness of fisheries and aquaculture. Students acknowledged fisheries’ contribution
to food security (x̄ = 3.62) and self-employment (x̄ = 3.65) but perceived it as less prestigious than other
professions (x̄ = 2.41). Key factors influencing career choice included availability of practical facilities
(76.3%), teachers’ teaching methods (69.5%), and family influence (57.9%). Chi-square results revealed
that gender and departmental affiliation significantly influenced students’ perceptions (p < 0.05). The
study concludes that although fisheries and aquaculture hold promise as career options, challenges such
as inadequate facilities, gender stereotypes, and low prestige hinder student commitment. It is
recommended that Colleges of Education strengthen practical training, improve teacher capacity, and
promote awareness campaigns to attract more students to the field