International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VIII, August 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Cletus I. Tyokyaa Phd1 and Mahmud Pinga Phd2*
1Department of Educational Foundations and General Studies,
University of Agriculture, Makurdi – Nigeria
2Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education,
Benue State University, Makurdi – Nigeria
*Corresponding Author
Abstract: The study investigated the influence of quota system and catchment area policy on students’ admission processes in public universities in North Central Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study and two hypotheses were tested. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 17,240 respondents from thirteen public universities. A total of 862 respondents from six public universities were sampled using a multi-stage sampling procedure (purposive and proportionate stratified random sampling techniques). A 4-point structured 10-item rating scale questionnaire titled Quota System and Catchment Area Policy and Admission Questionnaire (QSCAPAQ) was developed by the researchers and used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while Regression Analysis was used to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that quota system and catchment area policies have significant influence on students’ admission processes in public universities in North Central Nigeria. The study concluded that these policies provide citizens and groups with a sense of equal representation and participation. However, in achieving excellence, the universities should encourage universality that will foster respect and integrity; promote equity and justice; as well as provide fertile ground for the federal character principle and other national policies. It was recommended among other things that, to enhance access to university education, the quota system and catchment area policies or locality discrimination should be reviewed to liberalize the admission process and encourage hard work among students.
Key Words: Quota System, Catchment Area Policy & Students’ Admission Processes
I. INTRODUCTION
Education is said to be the biggest enterprise and one of the major prerequisites for the full realization of an individual and the societal goals. It equips individuals with the needed knowledge and skills to contribute their quarter to the development of the nation. It is true that in the closing decades of the twentieth century, education seemed destined to become the main preoccupation for all states and nations of the world. This has made the demand for education to increase