Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Senior Secondary Students Toward Careers in Home Economics in Ogun State, South West Nigeria

Career perceptions and attitudes among senior secondary students significantly influence enrolment trends and professional development in the field of Home Economics and Food Science in Nigeria. Despite the broad applicability of Home Economics competencies across multiple industries, the discipline continues to suffer from negative stereotyping and undervaluation. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude of senior secondary students toward careers in Home Economics in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with 280 final-year students selected from eight senior secondary schools across four local government areas. Structured questionnaires measuring career knowledge, attitude, and career intention were administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Results showed that the majority of students had limited knowledge of the diverse career pathways available in Home Economics, including food science, nutrition consulting, textile design, and consumer education. Attitudes toward the discipline were significantly influenced by gender stereotypes, with male students more likely to associate Home Economics exclusively with domestic roles. Students who had received guidance from Home Economics teachers demonstrated more positive attitudes and stronger career intentions. The study recommends career guidance integration into Home Economics instruction and community engagement campaigns to rebrand the discipline among secondary school stakeholders. Keywords: Home Economics, career knowledge, student attitude, Ogun State, career guidance