What Factors Predict Need Achievement among Undergraduates in Nigeria?

Abstract

This study investigated possible factors that predict need achievement among university undergraduates in Nigeria. Using convenient sampling method, a total of 420 participants were selected for the study. There were 153 male and 267 females. 334 were Christians, 81 Muslims, and 5 traditionalists. Of these, 69 were in their first year at school, 166, in their second year, 147, in their third year and 38 in their fourth year. Their ages ranged between 16-31years, mean age was 24.67 and a standard deviation of 23.14. Three hypotheses were tested and the results indicated that sex was not a significant predictor of students’ need achievement (df =418, t=-.248, p>.05); however, institution of learning (df = 2, F=203.48, p <.05) and students’ academic level (df = 3, F=32.76, p <.05) were significant predictors of students’ need achievement respectively. The findings indicate that students’ gender has no influence on their need achievement motivation, however, students’ institution and academic level have significant influence on their need achievement motivation, therefore, educators and policy makers need to pay attention to it in improving both the standard of education as well as the level of motivation among undergraduates.

Keywords: Tertiary institutions, Need achievement, Nigeria, Undergraduates, College of Education.