Predictors of students'performance in the pre-clinical MBBS programme in a Nigerian University

To evaluate students' performance and its predictors in the preclinical examinations at the College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

A cross section of students' records admitted into medical programme in 1999/2000 sessions was studied.

Younger students performed consistently better than the older ones in all the three subjects taken at the MBBS1. It was also noticed that the male students performed better, a statistically significant mean difference in score was observed in Biochemistry P<0.05. Students with better Ordinary level aggregate grade of (5-15) in the five core subjects at SSCE, consistently had better results in all the subjects taken at MBBS1 examination compared to their counter-part with aggregate SSCE grade of (16-30). Students that were admitted through JAMB performed better in all the three subjects than those that were admitted through pre-degree programme and the transferred students. However, the mean difference was statistically significant P<0.05 in Biochemistry only.

Better performance at MBBS1 was found in younger age group, those with aggregate grade of (5-15) in SSCE and those admitted through JAMB ordinary level requirement irrespective of the mode of admission should not be compromised. Schools that admit students through pre-degree, transfer or direct entry will have to be more conscious of the quality of students they admit and also operate such system with utmost transparency and with also operate such system with utmost transparency and with a principle of promoting good academic standard.