ATTITUDE OF UNDERGRADUATE TOWARDS THE STUDY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AS A COURSE OF STUDY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the Attitude of Undergraduate towards the study of Early Childhood Education as a Course of Study in the University of Benin. To guide this study, four research questions were raised. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The population consist of 287 undergraduate studying early childhood education as a course of study in the Institute of EducationEkehuan Campus in the University of Benin, Benin City. The sample size was 115students representing 40% of the population of students studying early childhood education programme as a course in the 2022/2023 session and the instrument used in data collection was a questionnaire. The findings revealed that students at the University of Benin, Ekehuan campus, have a positive attitude towards studying early childhood education because it aligns with their academic goals and career success, they also find the curriculum and teaching methods engaging, recognizing the importance of building a strong foundation in education, factors influencing their attitudes include career opportunities, societal awareness of early childhood education's importance, and family expectations. Increased awareness of the course content and benefits further enhances students' positive attitudes towards studying early childhood education.It was therefore recommended among others that career development programme, internships and job placement be established for ECE students to provide and prepare better workforce, and also create initiatives to engage families highlighting career opportunities and the benefit of ECE for their children.