Title: Confidence level and school experiences of final year undergraduates of computer science in South-West Nigerian universities

Authors: Olabamiji John Onifade; Omobola O. Gambo; Peter O. Ajayi

Addresses: National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Faculty of Education, Lead City, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract: This research explores the connection between the confidence level and university experiences of final year undergraduates of Computer Science across universities in the South-West region of Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study and 450 final year undergraduates were proportionately selected for the investigation. Computational task self-confidence questionnaire (CTSCQ) was used for data collection which demonstrated a high reliability with a Cronbach's alpha (α) of 0.89. Statistical analysis, including mean, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, and linear regression, revealed that the final year undergraduates exhibited moderate confidence in computational tasks, indicating potential for growth in self-efficacy. Additionally, a notable correlation was found between the students' university experiences and their confidence level, suggesting that integrating positive learning experiences - aligned with Bandura's self-efficacy theory - could boost both satisfaction and confidence. The study recommends inviting industry experts as guest lecturers, increasing hands-on training, and prioritising student learning experiences in curriculum development.

Keywords: computer science; university experiences; undergraduates; confidence level.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2025.147640

International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability, 2025 Vol.5 No.3, pp.264 - 276

Received: 30 Apr 2024
Accepted: 31 Jul 2024
Published online: 24 Jul 2025 *