MULTIPLE SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC ROLES OF POSTGRADUATE STUDENT-MOTHERS IN A WESTERN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Authors: Olufunke Adeola Adebayo

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17226815

Published: April 2024

PDF XML Read Online

Abstract

<p>The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 projected an inclusive and equitable quality education to all citizens, achieving the right to education for all irrespective of their gender. 1Women in general and student-mothers in particular are builders of a nation as their male counterparts. In ensuring that student mothers receive an inclusive and equitable quality education, they combine multiple roles with their academics. This study examines the relationship between post-graduate student-mothers' multiple roles and academic success in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and three hypotheses tested at a .05 level of significance. The study adopted a survey design type. Data was collected from a sample of 55 postgraduate student-mothers undergoing their Post Graduate Diplomas at Lagos State University through a self-developed questionnaire. Findings showed that there was no significant relationship between the number of children and role conflict of student mothers 2 (3, N = 55) = 2.875, р =.411. Also, there was no significant difference in the role conflict of student-mothers based on marital status, 2 (1, N = 55) = 2.426, р =.119. However, there was a significant difference between the support student-mothers receive and their academic achievement, t = -2.416, df = 53, p = .019. Student-mothers who received support had a better academic performance than their counterparts who did not receive support. It is recommended that among others the government and school management should provide child care and create campus support units.</p>

Full Text

No full text available

Cite this Article

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17226815

References

  1. Adofo, S. (2013). Challenges and coping strategies of student nursing mothers in tertiary institutions in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana (Unpublished MPH thesis). University of Ghana, Ghana. Retrieved from http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/bitstream/handle/123456789/5428/Stella%20Adofo
  2. Adu-Yeboah, C. (2015). Mature women students’ experiences of social and academic support in higher education: A systematic review. Journal of Education and Training, 2(2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.5296/jet.v2i2.7511
  3. Akpotor, J. (2018). Role conflict of married female students and academic performance. International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Studies, 5(5), 27–32.
  4. Amangbey, E., Gando, T., Baba, A. A., & Akuu, J. A. (2017). Early motherhood: Maternal challenges and coping strategies among first-time Ghanaian mothers. Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing, 43, 98– 105.
  5. Dankyi, J. K., Dankyi, L. A., & Minadzi, V. M. (2019). Struggles and coping strategies of student mothers at the University of Cape Coast distance education, Ghana. Creative Education, 10, 2484–2494. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2019.1011176
  6. Deater-Deckard, K. (2004). Parenting stress. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
  7. Esia-Donkoh, K. (2014). Child-rearing practices among student-mothers. Society & Biology & Human Affairs,
  8. 8(1&2), 20–38. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281117729_Childrearing_practices_among_student-mothers_at_University_of_Cape_Coast_Ghana
  9. Grohman, R., & Lamm, W. T. (2009). Reasons for student non-attendance at lectures and tutorials by nursing mothers: An analysis. Investigations in University Teaching and Learning, 2(2), 40–51.
  10. Ikediugwu, N. P. (2015). Providing information communication technology (ICT) facilities to schools. In G. C. Unachukwu (Ed.), Dynamics of access to education in Nigeria: The Nigerian Academy of Education yearbook (Vol. 8, pp. 25–32). Awka: Scoa Heritage Ltd.
  11. Mbekenga, C. K., Kyllike, C., Lugina, H. I., & Olsson, P. (2011). Joy, struggle, and support: Postpartum experiences of first-time mothers in a Tanzanian suburb. Women and Birth, 24, 24–31.
  12. McConnell, D. D., Breitkreuz, R. R., & Savage, A. A. (2011). From financial hardship to child difficulties:
  13. Main and moderating effects of perceived social support. Child: Care, Health and Development, 37(5), 679–691. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2214.2010.01185.x
  14. Moghadam, Z. B., Khiaban, M. O., Esmaeili, M., & Salsali, M. (2017). Motherhood challenges and well-being along with the studentship role among Iranian women: A qualitative study. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 12, 1335168. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2017.1335168
  15. Najjuma, S. M., & Kyarugahe, D. T. (2006). Studying and parenting: Experiences of student mothers in Ugandan universities. Monograph Series, Mtafiti Mwafrika (African Researcher), 17, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.4314/mtafiti.v17i1.38353
  16. Offorma, G. C. (2010). Girl-child education in Africa. In C. Ikekeonwu (Ed.), Girl-child education in Africa (pp. 9–26). Enugu: Catholic Institute for Development.
  17. Offorma, G. C. (2013). Education trends in Africa. In L. Popoola, O. Olaniyan, & O. Olayide (Eds.),
  18. Leadership in Africa’s quest for sustainable development (pp. 25–40). Ibadan: Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
  19. Springer, K. W., Parker, B. K., & Leviten-Reid, C. (2009). Making space for graduate student parents: Practice and politics. Journal of Family Issues, 30(4), 435–457. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X08329293
  20. Visick, A. (2009). Mothering by the book (Unpublished PhD thesis). University of Bedfordshire, England.
  21. Retrieved from http://uobrep.openrepository.com/uobrep/bitstream/10547/134972/1/visick.pdf
  22. White, S. (2008). Mothers who are student teachers: Navigating their dual roles in pre-service teacher education. Studies in Continuing Education, 30(2), 159–172. https://doi.org/10.1080/01580370802102064
  23. Williams, J. C., Alon, T., & Bornstein, S. (2006). Beyond the ‘chilly climate’: Eliminating bias against women and fathers in academe. The NEA Higher Education Journal, Fall, 79–96. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/assets/img/PubThoughtAndAction/TAA_06_09.pdf