Abstract:
The study sought relationship between self-concept and attitude to course of study in relation to
academic achievement among students in tertiary institutions in Katsina state, Nigeria. Questions
raised lead to the generation of hypotheses like self-concept was not significantly related to
academic performance and that self-concept was not a better predictor of academic performance
than attitude to course of study. The study utilized the correlational survey designed using APDI,
ACS and AA instruments to collect data that was analyzed using Pearson’s product moment
correlation coefficient and regression analyses. With p-values of .000, hypotheses 1 – 3 were not
accepted respectively. But, a β = .070, t = 24.203, p < .05 lead to the conclusion that attitude to
course of study is a better predictor of academic achievement. Among recommendations made
were that counsellors, and parents should employ means of motivating students to develop more
positive attitudes towards what they learn for the maximum achievement of their educational
aspirations. Tertiary institutions should help students to develop more positive self-concept
through appropriate counselling measures as this will greatly help in easing whatever academic,
personal-social or/and career challenge(s) that they may face in the course of their studies.
