THE EXTENT TO WHICH TERTIARY EDUCATION ENHANCES SOCIOECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT OF YOUTHS. A STUDY OF UNDERGRADUATE IN AEFUNAI (ALEX EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY NDUFU-ALIKE EBONYI STATE)
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- NGN 3000
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Tertiary education serves as a crucial gateway to socioeconomic advancement for youths worldwide. In the context of Nigeria, where the demographic bulge predominantly comprises young individuals, the significance of tertiary education in driving socioeconomic progress cannot be overstated. This study aims to explore the extent to which tertiary education enhances the socioeconomic advancement of youths, focusing specifically on undergraduate students at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State (AEFUNAI). Tertiary education, also known as higher education, refers to the educational level following the completion of secondary schooling. It encompasses universities, colleges, vocational schools, and technical training institutes, offering programs beyond the high school level. Tertiary education is characterized by its emphasis on specialized knowledge, skills, and research-oriented learning (UNESCO, 2015). Socioeconomic advancement denotes progress in both social and economic dimensions, encompassing factors such as income, employment opportunities, social mobility, and overall well-being. It reflects an individual's or community's improved socioeconomic status and quality of life (World Bank, 2018). In this study, "youths" refer to individuals within the age range typically associated with young adulthood, roughly between the ages of 15 and 35 (United Nations, 2020). They represent a critical demographic cohort characterized by energy, creativity, and potential for future contributions to society. This refers specifically to students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State (AEFUNAI), a tertiary institution in Nigeria. Undergraduates represent a diverse group of young learners pursuing various academic disciplines and professional pathways. The relationship between tertiary education and socioeconomic advancement among youths is multifaceted and dynamic. Tertiary education acts as a catalyst for socioeconomic progress through several interrelated mechanisms: Tertiary education equips youths with advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for participation in the modern economy (World Bank, 2019). Through academic coursework, practical training, and exposure to diverse perspectives, students enhance their human capital, thereby increasing their employability and earning potential. Access to tertiary education enables youths from disadvantaged backgrounds to ascend the socioeconomic ladder by acquiring qualifications that facilitate upward mobility (Chetty et al., 2014). Higher education serves as a means of reducing inequality and expanding opportunities for individuals to achieve better economic outcomes than their parents. Tertiary institutions foster innovation and entrepreneurship among youths by promoting research, creativity, and critical thinking (OECD, 2019). Entrepreneurial ventures launched by university graduates contribute to economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement, driving overall socioeconomic development. Factors influencing access to and quality of tertiary education include socioeconomic status, academic preparedness, availability of educational infrastructure, government policies, and funding mechanisms (Altbach et al., 2019). Socioeconomic disparities, inadequate educational resources, and systemic barriers can impede equitable access to higher education. The socioeconomic advancement of youths is influenced by various factors, including educational attainment, labor market conditions, social networks, public policies, and cultural norms (Haveman & Smeeding, 2006). Access to quality education, skills mismatches, income inequality, and structural barriers affect individuals' opportunities for socioeconomic progress. Hence, understanding the complex interplay between tertiary education and socioeconomic advancement is essential for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders seeking to promote youth development and foster inclusive growth. This study aims to contribute valuable insights into the role of tertiary education in driving socioeconomic advancement among youths, with implications for policy formulation, institutional practices, and future research endeavors.
1.2 Statement of the problem
In recent years, tertiary education has been heralded as a crucial pathway for socioeconomic advancement, particularly among youths. The belief in the transformative power of higher education to uplift individuals and societies has led to increased investments in educational institutions worldwide. However, while the benefits of tertiary education are widely acknowledged, there remains a need for empirical investigation into the specific extent to which it contributes to socioeconomic advancement, particularly among undergraduate students in institutions like AEFUNAI (Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State). Despite the prevailing discourse on the importance of tertiary education, there is a dearth of comprehensive research that examines its direct influence on the socioeconomic status of youths, especially within the context of specific academic environments. Although some studies have explored the relationship between education and socioeconomic outcomes, many of these analyses are broad and lack the granularity required to discern the unique impact of tertiary education on individual and community advancement. Furthermore, the existing literature often fails to account for the diverse socioeconomic backgrounds of students, as well as the varying institutional contexts in which tertiary education is pursued. A more nuanced understanding of how tertiary education interacts with factors such as socioeconomic status, academic performance, career aspirations, and access to resources is crucial for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to design effective interventions aimed at maximizing the socioeconomic benefits of higher education.
1.3 Objective of the study
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To evaluate the relationship between tertiary education and socioeconomic advancement among undergraduate students at AEFUNAI.
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To assess the various socioeconomic indicators impacted by tertiary education among youths.
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To identify the challenges faced by undergraduate students in leveraging their tertiary education for socioeconomic advancement.
1.4 Research Questions
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How does tertiary education influence the socioeconomic advancement of undergraduate students at AEFUNAI?
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What are the key socioeconomic indicators affected by tertiary education among youths?
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What are the primary challenges faced by undergraduate students in utilizing their tertiary education for socioeconomic advancement?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no positive correlation between tertiary education and socioeconomic advancement among undergraduate students at AEFUNAI.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a positive correlation between tertiary education and socioeconomic advancement among undergraduate students at AEFUNAI.
1.6 Significance of the study
This study holds significant importance for various stakeholders including policymakers, educators, students, and the broader community. Understanding the extent to which tertiary education enhances socioeconomic advancement among youths is crucial for informing educational policies and practices. The findings of this study can contribute to the development of strategies aimed at improving the effectiveness of tertiary education in fostering socioeconomic mobility and reducing inequality. Additionally, insights gained from this study can guide universities like AEFUNAI in designing curriculum and support services tailored to enhance the socioeconomic outcomes of their students.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to evaluate the relationship between tertiary education and socioeconomic advancement among undergraduate students at AEFUNAI, assess the various socioeconomic indicators impacted by tertiary education among youths, and identify the challenges faced by undergraduate students in leveraging their tertiary education for socioeconomic advancement. Hence undergraduate students at AEFUNAI shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
Tertiary Education: Also known as higher education, refers to post-secondary education provided by universities, colleges, and vocational institutions.
Socioeconomic Advancement: The process of improving one's economic and social status, including factors such as income level, employment opportunities, access to resources, and social mobility.
Undergraduate Students: Individuals enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at a university or college.
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