CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the study
Science education aims at producing scientist for national development as well as individuals who will be self reliant and competent in their specialization.According to Hornby (2010) to be competent means that a person has the ability or power to demonstrate knowledge , skills and attitudes that are sufficiently required to perform a given task. It is a functional ability to apply to practical situation the essential principles and techniques of a particular subject matter or field. Universities are regarded as principal institutions of learning in Nigeria. They give complete ability training intended to prepare students for various occupations. Assessment of programming skills means the ability of graduates of computer science education to secure, perform well in a computer job, establish it and manage it. If the individual is well trained in computer science education with the necessary skills needed,then the person can possess necessary skills for self-employment.
The National Policy on education (FME,2004) stated that the need for functional education which should be relevant,practical and tailored towards acquisition of appropriate skills and development of competencies and values which will enable an individual to live and contribute meaningfully to the development of his society.
Osuala (2002) stated that the employable skills are those skills that help someone keep a job.There are various areas of employable skills.Programming skills is one of the skills required in a computer science education student for paid jobs or self-employment upon graduation. With the proper acquisition of programming skills,graduates from computer science program can become self-employed for wealth creation. Programming has been one of the highest advancing technology in this era,which computer science education students must possess.
Dennis and Durojaiye (2000) pointed out that anyone connected with programming needs to keep up with technological development, competency and manipulative skills. Hence, in this
study,computer science education are being assessed to determine the level of programming skills they possess that will enable them become self-employed on graduation.