CORRELATING O’LEVEL GRADE IN LANGUAGE SUBJECTS WITH SCORES IN SEMESTER LANGUAGE COURSES AMONG STUDENTS OF MASS COMMUNICATION, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI

Abstract

Effective communication in English, the official language of instruction in Nigeria, is critical for academic success and professional advancement in Mass Communication. However, concerns have been raised regarding declining language proficiency among students. This study investigates the relationships between Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) scores in English Language, Literature in English, and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) scores in corresponding English, Hausa, and French languages among Mass Communication students at Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. The study adopts a quantitative approach to code SSCE scores against semester CGPA grades for a sample of 155 ND1 students of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. While no significant correlations were found between O'level English, Literature in English and individual semester language courses, a strong network of positive correlations emerged among the language courses themselves, regardless of language. This suggests interconnectedness and overlap in skills and knowledge required for success in these courses. Conversely, the lack of direct correlation between O'level English and specific courses raises questions about relying solely on these scores for admission decisions. This research contributes to understanding the complex relationship between language skills and academic success in Mass Communication, raising the need for stakeholders to reassess entry requirements, and developing language learning strategies to improve students' success.