Influence of Home Economics Curriculum on Career Choice of Senior Secondary Students in Oyo State

This study investigates the influence of the Home Economics curriculum on the career choices of senior secondary school students in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Despite the vocational relevance of Home Economics, many students in Nigeria continue to regard it as a low-status subject with limited career prospects. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets SS2 and SS3 students in twelve public secondary schools in Ibadan North and Ogbomoso North local government areas. Data were collected from 310 students using a structured questionnaire. Objectives include assessing students' perceptions of the Home Economics curriculum, identifying curriculum components that most influence career orientation, and examining the role of teacher guidance in shaping career decisions. Recent studies confirm that effective curriculum delivery and teacher mentorship significantly redirect students towards Home Economics-related careers such as nutrition, fashion design, and hospitality management. Data were analysed using mean scores, standard deviation, and multiple regression. The Social Cognitive Career Theory guides the study, focusing on self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations as predictors of career choice. Findings are anticipated to reveal that practical curriculum content and positive teacher attitudes significantly predict students' willingness to pursue Home Economics careers. Recommendations target the Oyo State Ministry of Education and curriculum developers regarding curriculum redesign and career guidance integration. Keywords: Home Economics curriculum, career choice, secondary school students, Oyo State, vocational orientation.