CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Home economics could be referred to as that area of vocational education that offers to courses in economic, commerce, book keeping, accounts, business mathematic typing and shorthand. The international dictionary of education (1979) refers to it as both commercial studies and home economics. The dictionary sees the commercial studies of education as the area that comprises such school subjects as typewriting, shorthand, book keeping and elementary accounting at defines home economics a studies of commerce and management subjects. This definition however does not indicate the level of education at which the title should be used. The difference in title is a matter of sentiment which does not in any way determine the content of the courses at the various levels of education. In the secretary school in Nigeria the course is regarded as home economics but in the higher levels, in colleges and universities it is known as Business education or management science which covers subjects as well as related courses like business law, business management, accountancy, marketing data processing and computer. Under the new system in education, these subjects are not studies in isolation in the junior secondary school. As a result of this problem, there has been less interest and motivation on the part of the students who offer business subjects in schools.