Investigation into the Scientific Literacy Level of the Nigerian University Undergraduates

Abstract

Aim: This study investigates the scientific literacy level of Nigerian university undergraduates paying special attention to the science knowledge, science process and skill, thinking/reasoning skill, as well as application of science to technology. Study Design: Descriptive research design of the survey type was employed in gathering the data for this study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the department of curriculum studies Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria and Department of Science and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akunbga Akoko, Ondo State Nigeria, between 2005 to 2008. Methodology: Two hundred and ninety- seven respondents selected through multistage sampling technique, took part in this study. An instrument made up of 110 items was used in the study. To pilot this study, five research questions and three hypotheses were raised and tested. Results: The result obtained revealed that the scientific literacy level of the respondents were very low. The hypotheses testing yielded an insignificant result for sex influence on scientific literacy level of the respondents and a significant relationship was observed between scientific literacy level of the respondents and their interest in science. Also a significant difference was observed in the scientific literacy of respondents with respect to the type of secondary schools they attended.