A Retrospective Study on Factors Determining the Prospects of Medical Education in University of Jos, Plateau State

Abstract

Background: There has been a steady rise in the number of students admitted into Nigerian Universities for medical education over the years.
The prospect of medical students admitted into the University of Jos medical school has not been previously researched. This study therefore
aims to review the outcome of medical students' examinations at various levels over the years and the factors that determine their performance.
Methods: The records of all students admitted into the University of Jos to study medicine from 1979 to 1999 were retrieved for analysis in October 2010. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 12.0.1 windows software. Tests of proportions were carried out at á < 0.05 significant level using Chi-square test statistic.
Results: The results showed that those admitted through Joint Matriculation Examination had the highest (59.2%) pass rate at all levels.
Failure and repeat rates were highest (49.7% and 14.8% respectively) in inter-university transfer students while withdrawal rate was highest (5.0%) in Remedial students. Percentage pass rate was found higher among the females. Those aged less than 20 years had the least failure rate and highest pass and distinction rates while those aged 30 years and above on admission had the poorest academic performance. Inter-university transfer as mode of admission had the highest rate of failure rate followed by those admitted through Direct Entry.
Conclusion: Inter-university transfers had the highest failure and should be discouraged. Admission through Joint Matriculation Examination should form the bulk of the admission into medical school while qualified females should be encouraged to study medicine.

Key Words: Remedial, JME, Admission, Direct Entry, Transfer, Medical education.