Authors:
Babagana Modu
Abstract
In the present-time, getting admission to study a preferred course of choice in the Nigerian tertiary institutions by prospective applicants is highly competitive. As a criteria, applicants are required to meet the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and five (5) relevant ordinary level credits, including English and Mathematics as a prerequisite before securing admission. However, being wrongly placed for a course that is different from ones choice could negatively affect learning and outcomes. Therefore, proper placement would have tendency of enhancing not only learning and outcomes but also self-esteem; thus improved productivity. This paper has examined students’ performance based on the course sought at entry and course placed to study. The CGPA of 300-Level students in the 2020/2021 session of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Yobe State University was used as a particular case for the investigation. Descriptive and Non-parametric techniques were employed. We found that applicants who sought to study computer science or physics at entry but were placed to study mathematics/statistics performed better than those who sought to study chemistry or biology. However, applicants who sought to study chemistry and placed to study mathematics/statistics are fairly better as compared to biology. Conclusively, the results of this study will inform decision makers and tertiary institution managers towards selecting those suitable to study mathematics/statistics if their preferred courses not secured.
