Adult Education Journal of Educational Thought

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO MARITAL STABILITY AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

J. A. Ajayi — 2025-07-31

Marital stability is an important aspect of personal and professional wellbeing especially among health professionals who face unique occupational challenges. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors contributing to marital stability among health professionals. The study employed descriptive and correlation survey designs. The total population of the study is 4167. A Sample size of 996 was selected using random sampling of fishbowl techniques. A self-structured questionnaire tagged: “Factors Contributing to Marital Stability among Health Professionals (FCMSAHP)” was used for data collection. Two experts in the field of Adult Education and Sociology from University of Lagos validated the instrument. The Cronbach Alpha reliability testing was used to determine the reliability index of 0.95. The results revealed that trust, love, respect, affection, cooperation, tolerance, selflessness, communication and understanding significantly influenced marital stability among health professionals. The study recommended that health professionals practice understanding and adopt give-and-take approach in their marital relationship.

ASSESSING THE FINANCIAL LITERACY KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF YOUNG ADULTS IN MUSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

O. Yinusa — 2025-07-31

In today's economy, many young adults grapple with significant challenges such as the urge to indulge in life's luxuries and the difficulty in distinguishing between wants and needs. This struggle often hampers their ability to save for future necessities, ultimately negatively impacting their overall well-being. This study, therefore, examined the knowledge of financial literacy and the socio-economic well-being of young adults in the Mushin Area of Lagos state, Nigeria. Three research questions and two hypotheses were answered and tested to guide this study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study whose population comprised all young adults in the Mushin area of Lagos state. Purposive sampling technique was used to select one hundred and sixty-five (165) respondents between the ages of (18-30) from 11 households in the Mushin area of Lagos state. This selection was based on accessibility, readiness to participate in the study, and participation in literacy classes at the literacy centers in Mushin. Structured questionnaire was designed to elicit responses from the respondents. The bio-data and research questions were analyzed with the use of frequency counts, simple percentages, and mean, while the hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) and Simple linear regression at 0.05 significance level with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Findings from the study revealed that there is a poor knowledge of financial literacy among young adults in Mushin leading to poor saving and spending habits, among others. The study underscores the importance of financial literacy skills for the economic prosperity of young people in Nigeria. Based on the study’s findings, it was recommended that the State Agency for Mass Education (SAME) should inculcate financial literacy into the curriculum of the literacy school centers to improve the financial knowledge of adult learners in the Mushin area of Lagos state, inter alia.

PERCEIVED CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF PREMARITAL SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP AND TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

B. Deji-Oderinde — 2025-07-31

This study investigated the perceived consequences of premarital sexual relationships and teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Ilorin metropolis of Kwara state. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. A total of 200 respondents comprising in-school adolescents in Ilorin metropolis of Kwara state from the targeted population were used in the study. Research instruments “Consequences of Premarital Sexual Relationship Questionnaire (CPSRQ) and “Teenage Pregnancy Questionnaire” (TPQQ) were used to collect necessary data. The collected data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, Ranking Order, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that the desire for love and intimacy ranked first, as a cause of premarital sexual relationship and teenage pregnancy, while loss of virginity and disruption in education are the major consequences of premarital sexual relationship and teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Ilorin metropolis. The findings also demonstrated that there is a significant difference in the consequences of teenage pregnancy based on peer influence, but no significant association in the consequences of teenage pregnancy based on attitude toward teenage pregnancy. It was suggested that parents cultivate love, affection, and open communication with their adolescent children. By raising knowledge of the risks associated with teenage pregnancy, the government can also play a significant role. Policymakers can also incorporate sexuality education into the school curriculum.

UNPACKING THE INTERSECTIONAL BARRIERS TO GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION IN BORNO STATE: A MIXED–METHOD APPROACH

M.D. Kadiri — 2025-07-31

Girl-child education is a fundamental right and a crucial driver of socio-economic development. In Borno State, Nigeria, however, numerous intersectional barriers continue to limit girls' access to quality education, despite national and international efforts to promote gender equality in schooling. This study explores the key challenges impeding girl-child education in the region, focusing on the interplay of security threats due to insurgency, socio-cultural norms such as early marriage and gender discrimination, economic constraints, and inadequate school infrastructure. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative data collected through interviews with educators, parents, and policymakers, along with a review of relevant policy documents. The findings indicate that insecurity, poverty, and entrenched cultural biases are the primary obstacles to female education, leading to high dropout rates and limited opportunities for girls. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, including enhanced security in schools, community awareness programs, economic support for girls, and comprehensive policy reforms to ensure equitable access to education. Addressing these barriers is vital for fostering sustainable development and empowering women in Borno State and beyond.

ALIGNING NIGERIA’S NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION WITH SDG 4: ROLE OF ADULT LEARNING AND EDUCATION IN ACHIEVING INCLUSIVE QUALITY EDUCATION

B. FAJIMI — 2025-07-31

The National Policy on Education (NPE) in Nigeria serves as a crucial framework for guiding the nation’s educational development, aiming to ensure equitable and inclusive access to quality education, among other things. This paper critically examines the alignment between Nigeria’s NPE and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which seeks to engender inclusion and equity in quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities by 2030. Through the use of secondary data, it explores the potential role of Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) in addressing key challenges that have historically impeded progress, especially in the context of Nigeria's failure to meet its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on education. The paper highlights the systemic challenge that continues to affect the NPE’s implementation, including inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and regional disparities in access to education. These issues are particularly pronounced in rural and conflict-affected regions, where many adults lack basic literacy skills and access to formal education. By focusing on the role of ACE, this paper argues that improving adult education initiatives can significantly enhance Nigeria's chances of achieving the targets of SDG 4. The paper concludes that the successful alignment of ACE with SDG 4 requires targeted efforts to address implementation gaps and promote lifelong learning.

PARENTAL NEGLECT ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT IN SHOMOLU LGA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

K.K. Lawal — 2025-07-31

The study investigated the parental neglect on students' academic performance and psychosocial adjustment in Shomolu LGA, Lagos State. The research focused on various forms of parental neglect, including physical, psychological, social, emotional, and educational neglect. 120 Senior Secondary II students were selected using the stratified technique of random sampling. Two research instruments were employed: the Effect of Parental Neglect on Academic Performance Questionnaire (EPNAPQ) and the Achievement Test on English Language (ATEL), both of which demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.73 during the pilot study. Descriptive statistics and an independent t-test were used to analyze the data and test the four formulated hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed a significant relationship between parental neglect and students' academic performance, classroom involvement, study habits, and social adjustment. The study's results underscore the importance of parental care and attention in promoting students' overall well-being and academic success. It was recommended that parents prioritize their children's needs, provide adequate care and support, and avoid neglect and abuse, which can have long-lasting negative effects on a child's social and psychological adjustment.

INSURGENCY AND ADULT EDUCATION: A REALISTIC APPROACH FOR STABILITY OF NIGERIA

E.B. Anyikwa — 2025-07-31

Insurgency and terrorism have significantly destabilised Nigeria, with groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, and the recently emerging Lakurawa exploiting socio-economic vulnerabilities, weak governance, and regional instability. While military interventions have been employed to combat insurgency, a more sustainable approach incorporating adult education is essential. Adult education serves as a tool for reducing illiteracy, fostering civic awareness, and equipping individuals with vocational skills, thereby addressing the root causes of radicalisation and recruitment into terrorist groups. Additionally, it enhances national cohesion by promoting tolerance, critical thinking, and economic empowerment, ultimately reducing susceptibility to extremist ideologies. The study made use of an analytical approach and highlights how adult education can be integrated into counterinsurgency strategies by providing functional education, de-radicalisation programmes, and economic empowerment initiatives. Given the strong link between poverty, unemployment, and insurgency, equipping individuals with marketable skills can deter them from joining extremist groups. Furthermore, adult education fosters political awareness and encourages active citizenship, reducing the appeal of terrorist organisations. To achieve long-term stability, Nigeria must prioritise adult education as a core component of national security policies, ensuring that vulnerable populations are empowered to contribute positively to society.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON ENTREPRENEURIAL GROWTH AND INNOVATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

B.B. Orunna — 2025-07-31

This study explored the impact of five flagship adult education programmes on entrepreneurial growth and innovation at the University of Lagos. Specifically, it examined the Mass Literacy Programme, Internship Programme, Women’s Empowerment Workshops, Community Development Programme, and the Entrepreneurship Empowerment Scheme. A descriptive survey (n = 200) using a structured questionnaire assessed innovation and entrepreneurship outcomes. Pearson correlation revealed significant positive associations between programme participation and innovation (r = .228, p < .01) as well as entrepreneurship effectiveness (r = .491, p < .01). High-participation learners recorded higher innovation scores (M = 18.4, SD = 6.1) compared to low-participation peers (M = 13.2, SD = 7.3). Among Community Development participants, 62% initiated at least one income-generating idea within six months, while 54% of Entrepreneurship Empowerment attendees launched micro-enterprises within three months, with average monthly revenue rising by 36% post-training. Recommendations include disaggregating evaluations by programme, integrating project-based learning, establishing innovation accreditation standards, and designing hybrid delivery models for adult learners.

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND ACADEMIC STAFF PRODUCTIVITY IN OGUN STATE’S PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

I.U. Okocha-Ojeah — 2025-07-31

The effectiveness of academic staff in discharging their duties depends on the quality of skills, knowledge, and competencies they possess. Hence, this paper investigated institutional development programmes and academic staff productivity in Ogun State’s public tertiary institutions. Three research questions and two research hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The study utilised a descriptive survey research design. Population of the study was 2,012 academic staff. Sample size was 334 respondents who were selected using simple randomly sampling technique in the two randomly selected tertiary institutions in the state. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed among others, that institutional development programmes were significantly related to the capacity of academic staff for community engagement services in tertiary institutions; and a significant relationship existed between institutional development programmes and professional effectiveness of academic staff in public tertiary institutions. The study concluded that institutional development programmes related to academic staff’s productivity in public tertiary institutions in Ogun State. This study recommended, among others, that school management and other stakeholders in the tertiary education sector should be committed to provision of varieties and quality institutional development programmes for academic staff regularly to enhance their job effectiveness.

FAMILY BACKGROUND AND PEER PRESSURE AS CORRELATES OF DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR AMONG PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENTS IN NIGERIA AND THE WAY FORWARD

O.I. Iyore — 2025-07-31

Delinquent behaviour has become such a complex and social problem that hinders students from realizing their full potentials and also leads to moral decadence among senior secondary school students in Edo South Senatorial District. These delinquent behaviours such as absenteeism, truancy, theft, murder, rape, vandalism, terrorism, fraud, drug peddling/trafficking, hooliganism, foul language, obscene abuse, abusive harassment, drunkenness, prostitution, etc (are to a large extent influenced by students’ family background and peer relation. This research was carried out to examine family background and peers pressure as correlate of delinquent behaviour among public secondary school students in Nigeria. It is believed that children from unstable homes are more likely to be delinquent. Evidence from literature suggest that such families expect less of their children, spend less time monitoring them and use less effective techniques to discipline them. Lack of warmth, direction, love and protection which the parents would have provided for them are lost and then they sought in anti-social behaviours. Also, when adolescents formed relationships with people who displayed delinquent behaviours, they are likely to take part in the behaviours themselves. For instance if adolescents spent time with deviant peers who consumed drugs, do not attend school regularly and are physically aggressive, then the adolescents are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviours as well.. The study has established and provided valuable insights into the factors influencing deviant behaviours among public secondary schools students in Nigeria. In conclusion, there is a nexus between deviant behaviours and variables such as family structure, family size, parents’ educational level, and home environment and the importance of a stable and nurturing family settings in minimizing such behavior cannot be over-emphasized. It was therefore recommended that school authorities should establish and enforce stricter policies on punctuality and attendance, alongside effective communication between schools and parents

PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF ONLINE GAMBLING ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN LAGOS METROPOLIS

A.O. Sangode — 2025-07-31

The rise of online gambling among students in Lagos Metropolis has raised concerns about its potential effects on academic performance. This study investigates the perceived influence of online gambling on students' academic performance for secondary school students in Education District 1 of Lagos State, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 250 secondary school students was selected using stratified random sampling. Gambling Related Cognition Scale, (GRCS) and the Academic Self Concept Scale, (ASCS) were was used to gather data. The research was guided by three research hypotheses which were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data gathered were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, t-test, and Analysis of Variance. Findings revealed that online gambling has a significant influence on students’ academic performance, and that there is a gender difference in online gambling among secondary school students. Age was found not to have a significant influence on online gambling among secondary school students. It was recommended there should be a strict compliance to age restriction to online gambling and social media networking.

REFORMATIVE JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN KIRIKIRI CUSTODIAL CENTRE IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

T.C. Iyaomolere — 2025-07-31

This study examines the effectiveness of reformative justice in the Nigerian correctional services, focusing on rehabilitation programs at Kirikiri Custodial Centre, Lagos. The research evaluates the extent to which rehabilitation initiatives reduce recidivism and facilitate the reintegration of former inmates into society. Three research questions were raised for the study. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from correctional officers and inmates through a structured questionnaire and interview guide. Findings indicate that rehabilitation programs, including vocational training, education, and counseling, positively impact inmates’ reintegration prospects and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. However, challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate funding, and a lack of skilled personnel hinder the full implementation of reformative justice. The study highlights the need for improved funding, better-trained correctional staff, and stronger community support systems to enhance rehabilitation efforts. Addressing these challenges will foster a more effective correctional system, ultimately contributing to a decline in recidivism rates and better social reintegration outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, correctional administrators, and stakeholders seeking to enhance Nigeria’s correctional system through reformative justice practices.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL AND EMPLOYABILITY AMONG YOUNG ARTISANS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

T.O. Ojeomogha — 2025-07-31

This study examines the relationship between entrepreneurial skills and employability among young artisans in Lagos State, Nigeria. The artisan sector, comprising trades such as carpentry, tailoring, and electrical work, is a critical component of Nigeria's informal economy. Despite its significance, young artisans often face challenges related to employability and job creation. This research examines the impact of entrepreneurial skills, including business planning, financial management, and marketing, on the employability and job stability of young artisans in Lagos State. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with young artisans, vocational trainers, and industry experts. The survey data reveal that artisans with advanced entrepreneurial skills are more likely to experience higher job satisfaction, increased income, and greater stability compared to their peers with limited skills. Qualitative insights further highlight that entrepreneurial training helps artisans navigate market challenges, expand their client base, and manage their businesses more effectively. The findings underscore the importance of integrating entrepreneurial education into vocational training programmes to enhance the employability of young artisans. Recommendations include developing comprehensive training modules that cover essential entrepreneurial competencies and fostering partnerships between vocational institutions and industry stakeholders to support skill development. This approach aims to empower young artisans, improve their economic prospects, and contribute to the broader economic growth of Lagos State.

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE STATUS OF DIGITAL INCLUSION AMONG LEARNERS IN OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL) INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

F.A. Adewole — 2025-07-31

Globally, the integration of ICT has gained prominence with a strong emphasis on digital inclusion initiatives to enhance learning outcomes. However, the lack of accessibility and utilisation of digital technologies can lead to digital divide among learners despite the mass availability. The study aim was to review current state of digital inclusion among learners in ODL in South-West Nigeria. Descriptive survey design and multistage sampling procedure were adopted for the study. Split-half method was used for the pilot study giving reliability coefficient value of 0. 83. 514 copies of questionnaire were used as research instrument for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions and hypotheses were tested using t-test independent, ANOVA and linear regression at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a high level of digital infrastructure availability and accessibility with a moderate level of usage among learners in ODL in South-West Nigeria. This indicates a considerable improvement of digital infrastructure availability and accessibility compared with Covid-19 pandemic episode. It was recommended that ODL policymakers should develop institutional digital inclusion policies to foster accessibility and usage to meet the demand of distance and technology-enabled learning environment with global best practices.

SELF-MANAGEMENT AND COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING THERAPIES AS PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS ON ADOLESCENT LONELINESS AND SUICIDAL IDEATION IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

N.T. Ndubuisi — 2025-07-31

Adolescent loneliness and suicidal ideation have become significant public health concerns, with increasing reports of emotional distress and self-harming behaviours among young people. Despite the severity of these issues, psychological interventions remain underutilised due to limited mental health awareness and accessibility. This study investigated the effectiveness of Self-Management Therapy (SMT) and Cognitive Restructuring Therapy (CRT) in mitigating adolescent loneliness and suicidal ideation in Anambra State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group research design was employed. The study involved 101 adolescent students randomly assigned to three groups: SMT, CRT, and a control group. Data collection instruments included the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ), the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS), and the Loneliness Scale (LS). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), were used to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed that both SMT and CRT were effective in reducing adolescent loneliness and suicidal ideation, with CRT showing slightly greater effectiveness. Gender did not significantly influence the outcomes, indicating that both male and female adolescents benefited equally from the interventions. It is recommended that schools integrate SMT and CRT into their counselling services, and that mental health professionals receive training to implement these interventions effectively. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to destigmatise mental health issues and encourage adolescents to seek support.

CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND STRATEGIES IN RURAL ECOLOGY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

B.A. FAJIMI — 2025-07-31

This study explored the intricate interplay between rural ecology and rural development in Nigeria, where rural communities continue to play a pivotal role in food security and economic sustenance. Despite the availability of extensive literature on ecological issues and rural livelihoods, a significant research gap remains in comprehensively integrating ecological, social, and economic dimensions into an assessment of sustainable rural development. The study adopted a qualitative research design using secondary data sourced from academic journals, policy documents, and official publications. A systematic content analysis was conducted to identify key themes, followed by a thematic analysis to explain the nuanced dynamics shaping rural ecological systems and their impact on development outcomes. The study revealed that ecological degradation and socio-economic challenges are deeply interlinked, and this necessitated an integrated approach that aligns environmental conservation with community empowerment and policy reforms. The study suggested the revision of the national policy frameworks to embed ecological principles in development initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions and enhance community participation through capacity-building programmes. Innovative and inclusive policy measures will effectively transform rural communities into vibrant centres of sustainable development, which will contribute to improving rural livelihoods in the communities.

ADULT EDUCATION AS A TOOL FOR CIVIC PARTICIPATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

A.O. Adeonipekun — 2025-07-31

This paper investigates adult education as a pivotal instrument for civic participation and leadership development in Nigeria. The study adopts a qualitative interpretive methodology grounded in secondary data sources, including policy reviews, programme evaluations, academic literature, and government reports. Using document and content analysis, the paper draws insights from illustrative case exemplars, such as national literacy initiatives and NGO-led interventions to examine how adult education empowers marginalised populations to engage in governance, leadership, and democratic processes. Findings indicate that adult learners exposed to civic education demonstrate increased voter registration, enhanced participation in community forums, and more active involvement in policy advocacy. The analysis further highlights how structured adult learning fosters leadership emergence among women and informal sector workers in underserved areas. Despite this transformative potential, civic-oriented adult education in Nigeria is constrained by limited curricula, generic learning resources, socio-economic exclusion, and weak institutional linkages. The study concludes that integrating civic education into adult learning through context-sensitive content, multi-stakeholder engagement, and inclusive policy frameworks can reshape Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape by cultivating a more informed, responsive, and participatory citizenry.

MANAGEMENT FACTORS: A TOOL FOR POSITIVE LEARNING AMONG PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ETI-OSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

O.B. Iwayemi — 2025-07-31

Education is a vital driver of individual and national development. This study investigates the influence of management factors on student academic performance in private secondary schools within the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The research examines key management variables such as instructional supervision, decision-making processes, and record-keeping practices, alongside other determinants of student academic achievement. A sample of 200 students was selected from ten private secondary schools using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire to address the study's research questions and hypotheses. Findings showed that instructional supervision and record-keeping have significant relationships with student academic performance. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends regular internal and external supervision of schools, appointment of competent and experienced school managers, and periodic training on record-keeping and data usage to heighten positive learning. Furthermore, school administrators should adopt effective supervisory and record-keeping strategies to promote discipline and enhance productivity. Active involvement of all educational stakeholders in monitoring and supervision is also essential at all levels.

MANAGEMENT CAPACITY AND TRAINING PRACTICE AS CORRELATES OF EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY IN ADULT EDUCATION PROJECTS AMONG COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANISATIONS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

A.F. Afonja — 2025-07-31

Management capacity as well as training practice play a key role in the success of all organisations. Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) efforts to positively affect the process of rural change through Adult Education programmes. Thus, this study was conceived to examine the relationship between management capacity and training practice of some selected community-based organisations working in the field of Adult Education for efficient service delivery in local communities in Lagos State. Four research questions and one hypothesis were developed to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, utilising a questionnaire. The population for the study covered all staff of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) operating in three Local Government Areas of Lagos State. A multi-stage sampling procedure involving both random sampling and purposive sampling techniques was used to select participants for the study. A validated instrument titled: Management Capacity, Training Practice and Efficient Service Delivery Questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Findings from the study, among other things, showed a significant relationship between management capacity, training practice, and efficient service deliveries of CBOs in Nigeria. Similarly, the study showed a divergence in training and management capacity among various CBOs that participated in the study. Based on the findings, it was recommended that training programmes should incorporate a blended learning approach, combining on-the-job training, workshops, peer mentoring, and digital learning to enhance staff and volunteer capacity and that Community-based organisations should strengthen leadership structures, streamline bureaucratic processes, and promote community involvement to enhance service delivery efficiency and programme sustainability, among others.

IMPACT OF MENTORSHIP ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH SELF-EFFICACY AMONG GRADUATE STUDENTS

O.J. Ogunyomi — 2025-07-31

This study investigates the impact of mentoring on graduate students' research self-efficacy in non-Western cultural contexts, focusing on the mechanisms and effectiveness of formal and informal mentoring. Grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, this study examines how formal and informal mentoring impact the graduate students’ research self-efficacy, focusing on accessibility, trust, and disciplinary differences. A total of 128 graduate students from the University of Lagos participated (53 STEM, 75 non-STEM) via a Qualtrics-administered survey. Research self-efficacy was measured using the Research Self-Efficacy Scale (18 items, four subscales: literature review, manuscript writing, data analysis, and research process confidence). Mentoring effectiveness was assessed using the Mentoring Effectiveness Scale (16 items, two subscales: formal and informal mentoring). Accessibility and trust in mentoring were evaluated using five-item adapted scales. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation matrices, and regression analysis. Contrary to expectations, the results revealed that mentoring had a negligible and statistically insignificant impact on research self-efficacy (β = -0.039, p > 0.05). Both formal (β = 0.028, p > 0.05) and informal mentoring (β = 0.107, p > 0.05) showed weak positive contributions, with informal mentoring displaying slightly stronger relational benefits. Surprisingly, mentoring accessibility (β = 0.147, p > 0.05) and trust (β = 0.149, p > 0.05) often considered key predictors, failed to yield significant effects. No meaningful differences emerged between STEM (β = 0.146, p > 0.05) and non-STEM students (β = 0.050, p > 0.05). These findings challenge the assumption that mentorship universally enhances research self-efficacy. The lack of significant impact raises critical questions about how cultural and structural barriers shape mentoring effectiveness. Future research should explore mentoring accessibility, cultural adaptations, and hybrid task-relational models to better support graduate students in diverse educational settings.