The Perception of Secondary School Students on Career Choice in Christian Religions Studies: A Focus on Ebonyi North Educational Zone

Abstract

This study employed a quantitative survey research design to investigate the perceptions of secondary school students in Ebonyi North Educational Zone of Ebonyi State regarding Christian Religious Studies (CRS) and its impact on their academic performance and career choices. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from 120 respondents, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 was utilized for data presentation and analysis. Hypotheses were tested using the one-sample t-test. The findings of the study indicated that the majority of the respondents held positive perceptions of CRS as an academic subject, finding it relevant to their lives and valuable for understanding moral and ethical values. Moreover, the socio-cultural environment of Izzi and Ngbo Clans who made up the population of Ebonyi North Educational zone, the area of study, was found to significantly influence the career choices of secondary school students, particularly about CRS. Students also acknowledged the potential impact of their perception of CRS on their career aspirations and decisions, particularly in fields related to ethical leadership. In conclusion, the study provided valuable insights into the perceptions of secondary school students regarding CRS in a specific cultural and religious context. These findings underscore the importance of integrating CRS into the curriculum and providing culturally sensitive career guidance to align students’ career aspirations with their values. Recommendations include enhancing the integration of CRS in the curriculum, cultural sensitivity in career guidance, and the inclusion of diverse religious perspectives in future research.

Keywords: Perception, Secondary School Students, Career Choice, Christian Religious Studies, Ebonyi North Educational Zone.