College of Leadership and Development Studies
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Item A Demographic Overview of Undergraduates in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Implications for Policy and Support Systems(Asian Journal of Social Science, 2025) Eyisi, Meek; Abikoye, Gboyega E.; Abiodun, Gesinde M.; Eyisi, JoyThis study examines the demographic characteristics of undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions and their implications for educational policies and institutional support systems. Using an ex post facto research design, data were collected from 4,930 respondents across federal, state, and private universities in Southwest, Southeast, and Northcentral Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique ensured diverse representation, while a socio-demographic questionnaire captured key variables such as gender, age, marital status, religion, and academic levels. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics with SPSS Version 26. The findings revealed notable patterns, including a gender imbalance with 63.3% female and 36.7% male respondents, a majority of younger students aged 18–24 years (76.2%), and a predominantly single population (84.1%). Religious diversity was also evident, with Christianity (71%) as the most represented affiliation. These patterns suggest critical areas for intervention, such as promoting gender equity through scholarships and mentorship programs, youth-oriented mental health services, and family-friendly policies to support married students. Additionally, fostering interfaith dialogue and inclusivity remains essential in Nigeria’s diverse higher education environment. These insights highlight the value of demographic analysis for designing inclusive and equitable policies that address the unique needs of Nigerian undergraduates. Future research is recommended to explore regional variations and longitudinal changes in student demographics to further inform policy-making and institutional practices.Item Social Support as a Protective Factor Against Suicide Ideation(SN Social Sciences, 2025-01-30) Eyisi, Meek; Abikoye, Gboyega E.; Abiodun, Gesinde M.; Eyisi, JoySuicide ideation among university students is a growing global concern, driven by psychological, academic, and socio-economic stressors. In Nigeria, the issue is exacerbated by insufficient mental health resources, cultural stigma surrounding mental health, and regional disparities in social support systems. Addressing these challenges is critical to safeguarding the well-being of this vulnerable population, who often rely on informal social networks due to limited institutional support. This study examines the role of social support as a protective factor against suicide ideation among 4,930 undergraduate students sampled from Southeastern, Southwestern, and Northcentral Nigerian geopolitical zones. An ex post facto research design was employed, using validated scales to measure social support and suicide ideation. Regional and demographic variations were explored through regression analysis and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings revealed significant disparities, with the Southeastern zone reporting the highest levels of social support (60.7%) and the lowest prevalence of suicide ideation (31.5%), while the Northcentral zone recorded the lowest social support levels (32.5%) and the highest prevalence of suicide ideation (88.8%). Regression results further confirmed the critical role of social support in mitigating suicide ideation, with the strongest effect observed in the Northcentral zone (R² = 0.077, p < 0.05). These results underscore the urgent need for integrating robust social support systems within Nigerian universities. Policy recommendations include establishing mental health programs, training culturally sensitive practitioners, and promoting community engagement to strengthen support networks. Such interventions are essential to fostering emotional resilience and reducing suicide ideation among students, ultimately enhancing their academic and personal well-being.