Impact of Economic Recession on Adult Participation in Academic Programmes: The Case of Sandwich Programme of University Of Port Harcourt

Abstract

This paper examined the impact of economic recession on adult learners participation in academic programmes: the case of Sandwich Programme of University of Port Harcourt. The population for the study was 919 Year1 and Year2 adult learners in the Sandwich Programme. The sample size used was 551 participants which represents 60% of the entire population. Data were collected through questionnaire. The research questions were analysed using percentage and mean statistical tools while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Statistic was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha levels. The findings revealed that salary slash, non-payment of salaries, rise in price of goods and services, low economic activities are features of economic recession. Also many of those that were granted admission in 2015/2016 session did not turn up due to recession. It also revealed that Departmental students’ enrolment was retrogressive in 2015/2016 in comparison to 2014/2015 session. The study further revealed that recession affects students’ rate of attending lectures occasioned by late resumption, inadequacy of upkeeps, lack of transport fare for inter-campus shuttle and weakness resulting from underfeeding or non-feeding. Also acquisition of reading materials is affected by recession. Based on the above findings, recommendations made inter alia include that economic summits be convoked where professionals would proffer solution to recession; Each of the three tiers of government should make their budgets to be people-oriented; diversify the economy; structures should be put in place to enhance upward social mobility vis-a-vis increased adult participation in academic programmes.