Students Perception of Woodwork as a Vocational Subject in Edo State Secondary Schools

This study surveyed secondary school students' perceptions of woodwork as a vocational subject in senior secondary schools in Edo State, South South Nigeria. Despite woodwork being a traditional trade with strong employment potential in furniture making, construction, and design, enrolment in the subject has declined in many South South schools over the past decade. A descriptive survey design was used, with 380 SS1 and SS2 students sampled from 15 schools in four local government areas. Instruments included a 30-item Likert-scale questionnaire measuring perception across dimensions of social value, career relevance, instructional quality, and personal interest. Results indicated that a majority of students held neutral-to-negative perceptions of woodwork, citing its perceived low social prestige, physically demanding nature, and limited career awareness. Male students reported more positive perceptions than females, and students from families with artisanal backgrounds showed significantly higher interest. The study recommends introducing modern woodwork technologies and CAD-based design elements into the curriculum to make the subject contemporary and appealing, organizing exhibitions that showcase career pathways in woodwork, and inviting successful furniture entrepreneurs as guest speakers. Teacher creativity in presentation was also highlighted as critical to changing student perceptions. These findings have implications for subject promotion strategies in schools across Nigeria's South South zone. Keywords: student perception, woodwork, vocational education, Edo State, South South Nigeria.