The study evaluated the implementation of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) Nigeria Certificate in Education Social Studies Minimum Standards in colleges of education. It was guided by six objectives, including examining adherence to admission requirements, assessing the availability and adequacy of instructional materials, and evaluating the pedagogical methods used by lecturers in the North-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
The study employed a descriptive survey design and involved a population of 2,687 NCE II students and 170 lecturers from the social studies departments of thirteen colleges of education within the zone. A sample of 358 lecturers and students was selected using stratified sampling. Data were collected through a self-designed questionnaire titled "National Commission for Colleges of Education Social Studies Curriculum" (ANCCESSC), which had a reliability coefficient of 0.836.
Data analysis involved frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations for the research questions, and chi-square and t-tests for the hypotheses. Findings indicated that colleges in the zone significantly adhered to prescribed admission requirements and that the availability of instructional materials was adequate. The study concluded that the minimum standards for student admission were being met, and the pedagogical methods employed by lecturers, such as field trips, practical work, and discussions, were deemed appropriate and effective.
Based on these findings, the study recommended that colleges of education continue to adhere strictly to prescribed admission requirements. Additionally, it suggested improving the provision of instructional materials, such as functional computers, pictures, newsprint textbooks, and video machines, to ensure they are adequate for the number of students enrolled in social studies programs.
