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Students’ Perceived Influence of Stress on Academic Achievement of Sandwich Undergraduate Students in Institute of Education, University of Abuja, Nigeria

Prof. P.O. Ojiah, Osagie, M., and Idachaba, V. O.

Abstract

This study examined students perceived influence of stress on academic achievement of sandwich undergraduate students in the Institute of Education, University of Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised all sandwich undergraduate students in the Institute of Education, University of Abuja, totalling 7,949 students. A sample size of 364 respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure involving simple random and proportionate sampling techniques. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled Students’ Perceived Influence of Stress on Academic Achievement of Sandwich Undergraduate Students in Institute of Education (SPISASUSIE). The instrument was validated by experts, and its reliability was established using the test–retest method, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.75. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) to answer the research questions, while t-test and Analysis of Variance were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that time management difficulties, missing examination scripts, anxiety while awaiting results, overworking, and excessive academic workload were major types of stress encountered by sandwich undergraduate students. The study further revealed that inadequate lecture space, bulky and confusing study materials, lecturers’ attitudes, and rush-hour examination preparation were key factors responsible for stress among the students. The results also showed a significant difference between male and female students in their perceived influence of stress on academic achievement, while no significant difference was found based on age range. The study concluded that stress significantly influences the academic achievement of sandwich undergraduate students and may result in poor concentration, reduced comprehension, and lower academic performance if not properly managed. It was therefore recommended that school counsellors, university authorities, and other stakeholders should intensify stress management sensitization programmes, improve learning facilities, and provide adequate academic guidance and counselling services to help sandwich undergraduate students cope effectively with stress and enhance their academic achievement.

Keywords

StressAcademic AchievementSandwich ProgrammeUndergraduate StudentsPerceived InfluenceUniversity of Abuja.

References

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