THE RELEVANCE OF STUDENT ACADEMIC ASSOCIATION ON COLLEGES OF EDUCATION SYSTEM.AS EXPRESSED BY STUDENT IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION OSIELE ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Federal college of education is an academic institution committed to training future leaders and teachers in various disciplines with particular emphasis on technical competence. It is an old and recognized institution with long-standing academic standard, record and reputation. It is one of the leading technical colleges of education in Nigeria.

Also, the college of education system was established to provide qualified teachers for the primary school system. Though the scope has been expanded to included JSSIII and higher institution.As teacher training institution saddled with imparting knowledge and character formation within and outside the classroom.

Academic associations are part of co-curricular activities and managing the school that takes place within the system. The management of tertiary institutions in Nigeria is indeed a joint of responsibility which involves different actor .These actors shares this vital responsibility; these actors include the Government i.e. Federal and States, supervising agencies, proprietors i.e. National Commission for Colleges of Education(NCCE),Student Union Government( SUG),Governing Councils, Chief Executives,Staff and Student Alumni Association. Each of these actors has fundamental roles to play towards the effective and successful management of the tertiary institutions.

The tertiary institutions are the places where higher education is offered. The national policy on education says:-

            Higher education as referred to in this document cover the post-secondary section of the national education system which is given in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education  such causes are given by the colleges of Technology, the advanced teacher training correspondences colleges and such institutions as may be allied to them.

On this premises, therefore, the higher education institution otherwise known as tertiary institution are many and varied in this country. They differ in location, sizes,organization and goals.It is therefore difficult in view of the broadness of what tertiary institution are to discuss in this write-up.

Academic Association promotes leadership and followership; they equally help to promote a stable Academic environment. Also, they help to promote positive interaction with the wider society through its numerous activities. Academic Association direct all academic matters concerning the college including the regulation of admission of students, the award of certificate scholarship prizes, the issuing of results to students, construction of more facility in the school and other academic distinctions. Academic Association is the nucleus on which all other bodies in the colleges depend upon .Such bodies include SUG (Student Union Government), SSAN (Science Student Association of Nigeria), NABS (National Association of Biology students), just to mention some. It is in the light of this background that the researcher seeks to investigate the relevance of student Academic association in the college of education system.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Academic associations are faced with the problem of improper planning and mismanagement of funds. They are also faced with the problem of hectic academic program which reduces the executive’s lectures hours. Furthermore, Academic associations are faced with the problem of leadership, accountability, and lack of money, time and people management skills. However, the existence of the academic association has in some ways contributed to the development of education in Nigeria. The researcher therefore seeks to investigate on the relevance of these academic associations who are sometimes faced with myriads of challenges.

1.3   PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

            The purpose of this study is to find out the history of Student Academic association in Federal College of Education, Abeokuta.

a)      To identify the types of Academic association in Federal College of Education Osiele, Abeokuta.

b)      To examine the objectives of Academic association in Federal College of Education Osiele, Abeokuta.

c)      To discuss the relevance of Academic association on Colleges of Education.

d)     To discuss the roles of Academic association to the development of Federal College of Education Osiele, Abeokuta.

e)      To examine the problem of Academic association in Federal College of Education Osiele and also to find out solution to such problem that may affect its efficiency and effectiveness.

1.4      RESEARCH QUESTIONS

a)    When did Academic association starts in Federal College of Education Osiele, Abeokuta?

b)   What are the types of Academic association that are available in Federal College of Education Osiele, Abeokuta?

c)    What are the objectives of these Associations?

d)   What roles do Academic associations play in the College of Education system?

e)   What are the problems of Academic association in Federal College of Education Osiele,    Abeokuta?

1.5     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

            The scope will cover the five sub-schools in the Federal College of Education, Osiele        Abeokuta as a case study. These five sub-schools are:-

a)                  School of Sciences.

b)                  School of Vocational.

c)                  School of Education.

d)                 School of Languages.

e)                  School of Arts and Social Sciences.

            The college is a centre of excellence in teachers’ education and it is needed for encouraging positives activities which Academic Association engages.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The outcome of this study might provide an insight into the various roles played by Academic Association. This research could also review the importance of Academic Association to other researchers. The outcome of this study could also reawake and promote leadership training among student i.e.  Students are provided with the opportunities to exercise leadership qualities under the guidance of departmental authorities. This study also promotes intellectual development since Academic association sponsor quiz contests among student in the college. This study also promotes social interactions among students.