EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE TEACHING PROFESSION AMONG EDUCATION FINALISTS AT UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

The value of a teacher in personal and national growth cannot be overstated because all those who establish a nation were educated and taught by teachers. This study explored the correlation between the perspectives of education finalists and their attitudes towards the teaching profession in Lagos, Nigeria, specifically focusing on the University of Lagos. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and tested three research hypotheses. A total of 327 education finalists were chosen at random from the University of Lagos, Akoka. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire which consisted of 25 closed-ended items was validated and produced a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.79. The data collected were analysed using frequency and Pearson Correlation, utilising SPSS 23.0, at 0.05 significance level. The findings indicated no statistically significant association between the gender of education finalists and their perceptions and attitudes towards the teaching profession. However, a significant correlation existed between education finalists’ perceptions and their attitude towards the teaching profession. Additionally, the perceptions of education finalists regarding teachers' working conditions were significantly correlated with their attitude towards the teaching profession. Consequently, this study suggested that students should be motivated to pursue education and view teaching as a respected and esteemed occupation. Additionally, the government should enhance the working conditions of teachers, including their pay, opportunities for advancement, and overall work environment.