PERCEPTION AND AWARENESS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN LIFE SCIENCES

This study adopted a descriptive survey research design to investigate the perception and awareness of genetically modified (GM) crops among university students in life sciences. The study was carried out at the University of Port Harcourt and Imo State University. The population of the study is 106 students from the department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt and 112 students from the department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science Imo State University. A sample size of 100 students was used for the study. Stratified sampling techniques were used for the study. The instrument used in this study to collect data from respondents was a structured questionnaire constructed by the researcher titled perception and awareness of genetically modified (GM) crops among University students in life sciences (PAGMCUSLS) with 30 items. Face and content validity was used for the study and reliability coefficient of 0.84 was obtained. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions while Z-test was used to answer the hypotheses. The study found that genetically crops undergo rigorous testing than conventional crops before approval; genetically Modified crops can help address food security issues. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that Universities should integrate more comprehensive courses on biotechnology, genetic engineering, and sustainable agricultural practices into their curricula for life science students.