Perceptions of secondary school students on forestry and environmental science education in Oyo-State, Nigeria

Abstract

Forestry and Environmental Science education have become inevitable in Nigerian schools considering the numerous environmental problems encountered daily in almost all the states within the country, hence the need for this study. This study assessed the perception of secondary school students on Forestry and Environmental Science Education in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty copies of questionnaire were administered to the students in the study area. The student’s average perception of
Forestry and Science Environmental Education was quite impressive because majority (95.9%, 99.2%) of the students in government and private schools respectively agreed with that protection of the environment is important. Majority (89.1%, 73.1%) of the students in private and government schools were knowledgeable about the environmental issues in Oyo state. Some perceived benefits of forest such as Tree roots helps in absorbing surface water and Forest creates job opportunities for people with a mean score of 1.73 and 1.62
were ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. The regression analysis result shows that students’ knowledge of environmental issues has contributed significantly to their perception of Forestry and Environmental Education. Based on the findings of the study, it is therefore concluded that majority of the students have high level of knowledge about environmental issues in Oyo state although they were not satisfied with the current state of environment in the state. The study recommends that more orientation and re-orientation
programs on the issue of environmental protection are needed in schools in Oyo State.

Keywords: Perception, Environmental schools education, Forestry, Environmental problems, Secondary students