Insecurity and School Environment as predictors of Psychological Behaviour of Students in Tertiary Institutions in South East Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62672/telad.v4i2.144Keywords:
Insecurity, Psychological behaviour, School environment, South East Nigeria, Tertiary institutionsAbstract
In recent years, insecurity has emerged as a significant challenge in tertiary institutions across South East Nigeria, negatively affecting students’ academic performance, psychological well-being, and overall campus experience. Reports of kidnapping, cult activities, armed robbery, and inadequate security measures have heightened students’ fear and anxiety, leading to emotional stress, reduced concentration, and withdrawal from social and academic activities. The study employed a descriptive survey design. A multi-stage sampling technique produced a sample of 3,000 students (1,812 males and 1,188 females). Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire covering demographics, insecurity experiences, psychological behaviour, and school environment. Responses were measured on a four-point Likert scale. Data analysis involved frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Gender comparisons were conducted using group statistics, while bootstrap analysis with 1,000 resamples ensured robust estimates and confidence intervals. Results show that students experienced a moderate to high level of insecurity, with notable gender differences. Female students consistently reported higher insecurity than males in key areas such as fear of kidnapping (Male: M = 1.61; Female: M = 3.22), terrorism threats (Male: M = 1.81; Female: M = 3.09), and community insecurity affecting academic focus (Male: M = 1.52; Female: M = 2.81). Both genders reported high insecurity related to cult activities (Male: M = 3.42; Female: M = 3.54), night-time movement on campus (Male: M = 3.05; Female: M = 3.32), and inadequate security patrols (Male: M = 3.32; Female: M = 3.19), indicating widespread insecurity across tertiary institutions. The study concluded that enhancing campus security and fostering supportive school environments are vital for safeguarding students’ psychological well-being and improving academic focus.References
Afu, O. M., Oguche, T. E., Sammani, Z. U., & Baba, G. (2023). Relationship between insecurity, depression and students’ academic achievement in Nigeria: Implication for guidance. International Journal of Education and National Development, 1(3), 54–74.
Anierobi, E. I., Akuneme, C. C., & Nnaemeka, G. U. (2023). Cyberbullying relationship with self-esteem, social development and mental well-being of undergraduate students in a federal university in Anambra State, Nigeria. Social Sciences and Education Research Review, 10(1), 44–54.
Bowlby, J. (1963). Pathological mourning and childhood mourning. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 11(3), 500–541.
Edgerton, E., & McKechnie, J. (2023). The relationship between students’ perceptions of their school environment and academic achievement. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 959259. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.959259
Enemuo, C. J., & Muogbo, U. F. (2023). Extent of awareness and adoption of Zoom technology in teaching and learning among lecturers in colleges of education, Anambra State. International Journal of Education Research and Scientific Development, 2(2), 1–12.
Enemuo, C. J., & Muogbo, U. F. (2024). Perception of students on lecturers’ computer literacy skills used in teaching and learning in South East colleges of education, Nigeria. International Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning, 11(1), 1–9.
Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1985). Stress and coping. New York, NY: Springer.
Maier, S. L., & DePrince, B. T. (2020). College students’ fear of crime and perception of safety: The influence of personal and university prevention measures. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 31(1), 63–81.
Mori, Y., Tiiri, E., Khanal, P., Khakurel, J., Mishina, K., & Sourander, A. (2021). Feeling unsafe at school and associated mental health difficulties among children and adolescents: A systematic review. Children, 8(3), 232. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8030232
Muogbo, U. F., Muogbo, U. S., & Enemuo, C. J. (2025). Entrepreneurship and security solution toward Millennium Development Goals: Assessing the effect of entrepreneurial education on secondary school students’ ability to address security challenges. Journal of Gender and Millennium Development Studies, 2(2), 129–141.
Musa, A. K., Meshak, B., & Sagir, J. I. (2016). Adolescents' perception of the psychological security of school environment, emotional development and academic performance in secondary schools in Gombe Metropolis. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 4(9), 144–153.
Ogunode, N. J., Ukozor, C. U., & Abiodun, O. J. (2024). Private universities in Nigeria: Contributions, problems and way forward. International Journal of Education and Life Sciences, 2(5), 436–451.
Ojeleye, C. I., Kaura, B. L., Gusau, B. M., & Abdullahi, M. (2022). Insecurity as predictor of students’ learning in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Sokoto Educational Review, 21(1), 66–78.
Ojukwu, M. O., & Ahaoma-Chigozirim, N. (2015). Influence of insecurity of school environment on the behaviour of secondary school students in Isiala-Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas of Abia State, Nigeria. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 3(4), 49–55.
Okafor, C. F. O., Enemuo, C. J., Anakpua, B. C., & Okafor, T. U. (2023). Blended learning for enhancing mathematics retention and conceptual understanding: Implications for STEM teachers. Nanotechnology Perceptions, 19, 1–10.
Oparaugo, U. I., Nwanguma, V. C., David, I. E., & Ekeh, G. (2024). The role of insecurity on academic satisfaction and psychological well-being of undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Anambra State. Journal of Theoretical and Empirical Studies in Education, 9(2).
Sa’adatu, A. D., Ibrahim, M. M., & Bala, N. (2024). Effects of insecurity on teaching practice programme: A case study of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States. African Journal of Humanities and Contemporary Education Research, 14(1), 91–101.
Stella, O. D. (2023). Insecurity in Nigeria: A hindrance to quality university education. American Journal of Social and Humanitarian Research, 4(10), 123–131.
Stevens, D., Bulmer, S., Banducci, S., & Vaughan-Williams, N. (2021). Male warriors and worried women? Understanding gender and perceptions of security threats. European Journal of International Security, 6(1), 44–65.
Ugwueze, S., Mbanugo, C. J., Onwuegbuchulam, C. A., & Itodo, J. (2024). Effect of perceived insecurity on the psychological wellbeing among undergraduate students in private and state-owned universities in Enugu State, Nigeria. Nnadiebube Journal of Social Sciences, 5(2), 147–156.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Chinwe Augustina Enwere
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
