Correlation between utme, postutme and student academic performance

Project Abstract

This research study investigates the correlation between UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) scores, post-UTME scores, and academic performance of students in higher education institutions. The study aims to explore whether there is a significant relationship between the entrance examination scores (UTME and post-UTME) and the subsequent academic performance of students in their respective courses of study. The research will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of examination scores and academic records with qualitative data from student interviews and surveys. The study will focus on a sample of undergraduate students from various departments and faculties to ensure a diverse representation of academic disciplines. Quantitative data analysis will involve statistical techniques such as correlation analysis to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between UTME scores, post-UTME scores, and academic performance metrics such as GPA (Grade Point Average) and course grades. The study will also consider other potential variables that may influence academic performance, such as study habits, attendance, and engagement in extracurricular activities. Qualitative data collection will involve interviews with students to gather insights into their experiences with the entrance examinations, preparation strategies, and perceived impact on their academic performance. Surveys will be used to collect broader perspectives on the relevance of UTME and post-UTME scores in predicting academic success and identifying areas for improvement in the admissions process. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing literature on the predictive validity of entrance examinations in higher education admissions. By examining the relationship between UTME scores, post-UTME scores, and academic performance, the research aims to provide insights that can inform admissions policies and practices in Nigerian universities and other higher education institutions. Overall, this research seeks to enhance our understanding of how entrance examination scores relate to student academic success and to identify potential areas for improving the admissions process to ensure that students are selected based on their true potential to succeed in their chosen fields of study.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 Background of the study</strong></p><p>In order to qualify for admission in the Nigerian university, a candidate must satisfy some minimum requirements. In the first place he or she must obtain five relevant credits in the senior secondary school certificate examination including English and in some cased mathematics. In addition such a candidate must sit for and obtain a minimum pass mark in the University Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint admission and matriculation Board(JAMB) as well as pass an additional post university matriculation examination screening test (post-UME) conducted by the selected university. Notwithstanding those stringent requirements for admission, most Nigerian students still perform badly I their semester examination and indulge in a variety of examination malpractices which make the conduct of examination a tedious chore that may degenerate into life threatening or due at the worst. Malpractice committed by a candidate to make up of their deficiencies in knowledge include using prepared materials brought in by candidates as hard copies hidden in obscure in part of the body or as a soft copy stored in the memory of sophisticated handsets, sourcing answers from outside the hall through the medium of text messages, using machineries to write examinations illegally and writing examinations for which they were not registered.</p><p>This investigation was prompted by series of evidence across Nigeria. For example, in a discussion with a student after the first semester examination conducted by the department of microbiology at the university of port Harcourt during the 2010/2011 session it was revealed that a candidate, a year two micro biology student estimated to be about 30years old (official age 26) was found writing an examination for which he was not registered. Investigation revealed that he was admitted through the UME/post UME process with scores of 211 and 80 respectively and a means of 146.An evaluation of his computerized speed-sheet for years one 2009/2010 Session showed a CGPA of 0.14 .further investigation revealed that the student had been out of school for about 10 years before finally gained admission through ‘’concession’’ to read micro biology. The observation that the candidate had a very low score in the post-UME screening test, and still gained admission prompted this study which aims at investigating the relationship between the cumulative Grade Point Average [CGPA] of students in the firth year of study and their performance in the university Matriculation Examination and post UME Screening test, a major parameter for admission.</p><p><strong>1.2 Statement of Problem</strong></p><p>The relationship between UTME, Post UTME score and student academics performance in universities in Nigeria is raising a dust. Akinniyi [2011] Notes that most students who perform well in UTME get admitted into universities through the influence of their ‘god fathers’. Though the scope of god father can get them admission, work in later years. Akinniyi (2010 emphasizes that first year grade of students may not after all show an relationship with their UTME score. It is against this background that this study poised to access the correlation between UTME, Post UTME and academic scores of 200 level students of the department of educational management in Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state in order to justify whether these reductionist entrance examination conducted for screening candidates into Nigerian Universities are necessary or not.</p><p><strong>1.3 Research Questions</strong></p><p>i. What are the UME and Post UME score of students under study.</p><p>ii. Is there any correlation between UTME, Post UTME score and student performance in their first year in the university?</p><p>iii. What are the academic scores of student in GNS 111, EDU 111 course in the first semester of their first year in school?</p><p><strong>1.4 Hypotheses</strong></p><p>H01: There is no significant correlation between UTME score and academic CGPA of female student.</p><p>H02: There is no significant correlation between the post UTME score and academic CGPA of female students</p><p>H03: There is no significant correlation between the UTME score and academic CGPA of male students</p><p>H04: There is no significant correlation between the post UTME scores and the academic CGPA of male students</p><p>H05: There is no significant correlation between UTME academic CGPA of all students</p><p>H06: There is no significant correlation between average post UTME scores, CGPA scores of all the students</p><p><strong>1.5 Purpose of the study</strong></p><p>The broad objectives of the study is to evaluate the correlation between UTME, post UTME and academic performance score of 200 level students in Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)</p><p><strong>1.6 Significance of the study</strong></p><p>This study will provide policy makers with evidence and reference materials for policies making in educations. It will also provide further researchers with a premise on which other researcher can be conducted.</p><p><strong>1.7 Scope of the Study</strong></p><p>It is believed that as at the time of this research, 200 level students already have their CGPA profile available with them. The selection of students is also limited to the departments in the college of Applied of Education and vocational Technology.</p><p><strong>1.8 Operational Definition of terms and Acronym</strong></p><p>UTME: Unified tertiary Institutions Examination</p><p>Post UTME: A screening examination that is usually done after UTME</p><p>Academic Performance: Intellectual ability of student’s performance measured by their scores in respective courses in school.</p><p>CGPA: Cumulative Grade Point Average</p><p>Matriculation Examination: It is an exam done after obtaining O’ level certificate for admission into universities</p></div><h3></h3><br> <br><p></p>