Sources of Academic Stress among Undergraduates at University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

The academic challenges faced by university students are enormous and emerge from various sources. It is in the light of this that this study investigated the sources of academic stress among undergraduates at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Demographic variables of gender, age and mode of entry were considered. A descriptive survey design was adopted. A sample of 300 students was randomly selected across the faculties. A research question was raised and three null hypotheses were postulated respectively to guide the study. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire entitled “Sources of Academic Stress Questionnaire” (SASQ). Data analysis was done using percentages, mean and t-test. The findings of this study revealed that University of Ilorin undergraduates are exposed to different sources of academic stress which include academic overloads, fear of failure and acclimatizing to academic expectations. The findings also showed that there was no significant difference in the sources of academic stress among undergraduates at the University of Ilorin based on gender and age while there was a significant difference in the sources of academic stress among undergraduates based on mode of entry. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that orientation programs should be made compulsory for all newly admitted students and academic development programs created for returnees at faculties and departmental levels.