Navigating Academic Commitment and Household Responsibilities among Married Female Students in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

In: The Nigerian Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, Band 22, Heft 2, S. 115-131

Abstract

The paper assessed academic commitment and household responsibilities among Married Female Students (MFS) in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. MFS in Nigerian tertiary institutions face a unique set of challenges as they strive to juggle their academic activities with domestic responsibilities. This balancing act often tips towards the domestic sphere, posing significant hurdles for their educational endeavours. This paper adopts a secondary data generation method, relying on empirical literature to gather information for analysis. The content analysis technique was employed to derive themes, aggregate scholarly viewpoints, and subsequently analyse the data. The findings of this paper reveal that a majority of MFS encounter domestic-related challenges that inevitably impact their academic performance. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, these domestic challenges manifest in various ways, such as irregular lecture attendance, diminished concentration in class, and limited study hours. Unsurprisingly, these issues often result in poor academic performance and, in some cases, lead to dropouts from their educational pursuits. In light of these findings, several recommendations emerge. First and foremost, MFS needs to adopt effective time management strategies while attending tertiary institutions. This can be accomplished by creating a well-structured timetable that accommodates both domestic and academic responsibilities. Such an approach can help MFS maintain a successful academic career while fostering a harmonious and peaceful matrimonial home.