Comparison of environmental attitudes of science and non-science undergraduate students of Sokoto State University, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between man and his surrounding is as old as his origin. All his basic needs of living are from his environment. Recently, the science and technological advancement of Man is resulting to several damages to environment which in turn affect the quality of air, water and climatic factors of the environment. Therefore, there is the need for more individuals with positive environmental attitudes.  Purpose: This study aimed to compare the environmental attitudes of science and non-science undergraduate students in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Three research questions and two hypotheses were answered and tested, respectively. Methodology: Descriptive survey design was employed involving 322 science and non-science students. The instrument used for data collection is Environmental Attitude Inventory. Items of the instrument were adopted from Uzun, Gilbertson, Keles & Ratinen, (2019) and Milfont and Dukit (2010). The modified items were validated by experts and a reliability index of 0.66 was obtained after the pilot study. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The findings of the study show that the majority of undergraduate students in Sokoto State University have a moderate environmental attitude and undergraduate science students demonstrated a higher environmental attitude than non-science students. Recommendations: The study recommended that more training and workshops be organised for undergraduate students to improve their environmental attitude