Impact of ASUU Strikes and Academic Overload on the Mental Well-Being of Undergraduate Students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Abstract

This study explored the impact of ASUU strikes and academic overload on the mental well-being of undergraduates in Anambra State. Two purposes of the study, with their corresponding research questions, guided the study. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study population comprised of all undergraduate students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The sample size for this study was 1044, comprising 376 male and 675 female undergraduate students determined through the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using researcher-developed instrument titled: Impact of ASUU Strikes and Academic Overload on the Mental Wellbeing Questionnaire (IASUUSAOMWQ). The instrument was validated by experts in the field of education.  The instrument's reliability was ensured through Cronbach's Alpha which yielded alpha coefficients of 0.70 and 0.72 for the   clusters respectively, and an overall co-efficient of 0.71. The mean value was used to answer the research questions, and the standard deviation was used to test the homogeneity or otherwise of the mean ratings. The findings revealed that the ASUU strikes have a negative impact on the mental well-being of the undergraduate students. The findings also revealed that academic overload negatively affects the mental well-being of undergraduate students. Based on the study's findings, it was recommended, among others, that the Federal Government of Nigeria implement and enforce binding agreements with ASUU to prevent recurrent strikes, ensure academic continuity, and reduce prolonged uncertainty that negatively impacts students’ mental well-being and educational progress.