Assessment of early career students’ interest in forestry and environmental management in delta state Nigeria

Abstract

Interest among early-career students in Forestry and Environmental Management (FEM) was assessed. Approximately 225 students were randomly selected from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) in Delta State. Data on students' demographics, awareness levels of FEM, and willingness to enroll (WTE) in FEM were collected. The awareness level of students regarding FEM and their WTE to enroll in FEM at university were analyzed using 3-point and 4-point Likert scales, respectively. A logistic regression model was employed to examine the relationship between WTE into FEM and several predetermined variables. Additionally, students' knowledge of environmental problems and their intentions to study FEM were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. A Chi-square test examined the association between students' gender and their intention to study FEM. Females (51.1%), 16 to 18 years (36.9%), and students in SSS 3 (59.6%) dominated. Students (77.3%) affirmed the existence of environmental problems, 88.4% heard of FEM from television (64.9%), with 74.2% aware (1.97±0.03) of FEM as a Profession. Students’ intention to study FEM was very weak (39.6%) with a mean value of 2.06±0.03. The students' intention to study FEM was relatively weak, with only 39.6% expressing interest and a mean score of 2.06±0.03. The level of awareness regarding environmental problems, support for solving these issues despite discomfort, and the overall forestry and environmental awareness significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the willingness to pursue a career in FEM. An r value of -0.06 indicates that students' familiarity with environmental problems did not significantly correlate with other variables in the study (P> 0.05) influence their WTE into FEM. A significant relationship (P < 0.05) exists between gender and students' intention to pursue careers in forestry professions (χ² = 119.85). Females are more interested in studying Forest and Environmental Management (FEM). Increasing awareness of FEM among early-career students can enhance their interest in this field.