Attitude of Secondary School Students Toward Computer Studies as a School Subject in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

This study examines the attitudes of senior secondary school students toward computer studies as a school subject in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Attitude toward a school subject is widely recognised as a significant predictor of enrolment choices, engagement levels, and academic performance. Understanding these attitudes is essential for improving computer studies participation rates in the state. A descriptive survey design was employed with a sample of 200 Senior Secondary School Two students drawn from public and private schools in Lafia, Keffi, and Akwanga Local Government Areas. A validated Computer Studies Attitude Scale assessing cognitive, affective, and behavioural attitude dimensions was administered. Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Findings indicate moderately positive attitudes overall, with male students recording significantly higher scores on the cognitive dimension. Students in private schools reported more positive affective attitudes than public school students, consistent with differences in computer facility quality. Interest in programming and graphic design emerged as the strongest drivers of positive attitude. The study recommends that computer studies teachers introduce project-based learning approaches that align with students' interests and that Nasarawa State invest in functional computer laboratories to sustain and improve student attitudes. Keywords: student attitude, computer studies, senior secondary school, Nasarawa State, subject interest