Factors Influencing Undergraduates Choice of Teaching as a Career (Fit-Choice) in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the factors influencing career choice in Nigeria using the (FIT-choice) scale of Watt and Richardson (2007). The study was guided by three research questions and the suitability of the scale for Nigeria was sought. The study used a survey design using purposive sampling technique to obtain a sample of 225 students from the Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. The obtained data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results obtained showed social utility values as the most influential factors in choosing teaching as a career in Nigeria. The study also found that teaching was not only a highly expert career but that undergraduates’ decision to become teachers is a function of satisfaction. The study recommended that both the Federal and State governments should provide better remuneration for teachers to boast their morale.