EFFECT OF STUDENTS OCCUPATION ON THEIR STUDY HABIT AMONG FINAL YEAR STUDENTS OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING STUDENTS IN SOKOTO STATE UNIVERSITY

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Background of the Study

The study habits of university students are indeed a critical factor in determining their academic success. Effective study habits, such as time management, consistent study schedules, and focused study sessions, are crucial for academic achievement (Credé & Kuncel, 2015). Nevertheless, students frequently encounter various challenges that have an impact on their capacity to sustain efficient study habits, one of which is their occupation. The occupation of a student, whether it be part-time employment or entrepreneurial activities, can have a substantial impact on their study routines and overall academic performance.

Recently, there has been an increasing trend among university students to participate in different types of employment in order to financially support their education. According to a study conducted by Watanabe (2015), it has been found that more than 70% of university students in the United States engage in some kind of employment while pursuing their academic studies. This trend is not limited to Western countries; in Nigeria, many students also participate in part-time work to alleviate financial burdens caused by limited financial support from families and the government (Inegbedion et al., 2020).

The impact of student occupation on academic performance has been a subject of extensive research, professor. For instance, according to the research conducted by Dundes and Marx (2017), it was discovered that students who engage in employment for more than 20 hours per week generally exhibit lower GPAs in comparison to their counterparts who either do not work or work fewer hours. This is attributed to the limited time available for studying and the physical and mental exhaustion from balancing work and academic responsibilities. Moreover, it has been observed by Hall (2018) that students who are able to effectively balance their work and study commitments tend to cultivate improved time management abilities, which can have a positive impact on their academic performance.

Sokoto State University, similar to numerous other higher institutions in Nigeria, possesses a considerable number of students who partake in diverse forms of employment while simultaneously pursuing their academic objectives. The unique socio-economic context of Sokoto State, characterised by high levels of poverty and unemployment, compels many students to seek employment to sustain themselves and support their families (Bello, 2016). This dual commitment to work and study raises critical questions about how student occupations influence their study habits and academic outcomes, my dear student.

Various scholarly investigations have been conducted to explore the correlation between student employment and academic performance. However, there is a dearth of research that specifically delves into the influence of student occupation on study habits among senior students pursuing a degree in the field of Guidance and Counselling. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how the occupational commitments of final year students at Sokoto State University affect their study habits and, consequently, their academic performance.

The field of Guidance and Counselling is indeed quite demanding, as it necessitates students to immerse themselves in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. As final year students prepare to transition into professional roles, their ability to develop and maintain effective study habits becomes even more critical (Adebayo, 2017). Therefore, comprehending the impact of their occupational engagements on their study habits is crucial for formulating strategies to facilitate their academic success.

In summary, the escalating pattern of student employment and its potential consequences on study habits necessitates a comprehensive investigation. By focusing on final year students in the Guidance and Counselling department at Sokoto State University, this study aims to offer insights into how occupational commitments impact their academic behaviours and outcomes. The findings of this study will contribute to the broader discourse on student employment and academic performance, offering practical recommendations for students, educators, and policymakers.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The issue of balancing occupational commitments and academic responsibilities is indeed a formidable challenge faced by numerous university students. This issue is especially noticeable among final year students who are at a crucial point in their academic careers. Despite the significance of this matter, there exists a dearth of specific research that delves into the influence of occupational commitments on the study habits of final year students in the field of Guidance and Counselling at Sokoto State University. This gap in the literature poses a problem because understanding the nuances of this relationship is crucial for developing targeted interventions to support these students. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the current body of research tends to neglect the distinctive socio-economic environment of Sokoto State, thereby introducing an additional level of intricacy to the matter at hand. Thus, this study seeks to fill this void by examining the impact of student occupation on study habits among senior year Guidance and Counselling students at Sokoto State University. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights that can inform policies and practices aimed at enhancing the academic success of students who are juggling work and study commitments.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective

To investigate the effect of student occupation on the study habits of final year Guidance and Counseling students at Sokoto State University.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To examine the types of occupations undertaken by final year Guidance and Counseling students at Sokoto State University.
2. To assess the impact of these occupations on the students' study habits.
3. To identify strategies that can help students balance their occupational commitments with their academic responsibilities effectively.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What types of occupations are undertaken by final year Guidance and Counseling students at Sokoto State University?
2. How do these occupations impact the study habits of these students?
3. What strategies can help students balance their occupational commitments with their academic responsibilities effectively?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the relationship between student occupation and academic performance, particularly within the context of Sokoto State University. By focusing on final year students in the Guidance and Counseling department, the study provides specific insights into a group that is often overlooked in broader research. The findings will be valuable for several stakeholders:

Students: Understanding the impact of their occupational commitments on their study habits can help them make informed decisions about managing their time and responsibilities.

Educators: Insights from this study can help educators develop support systems and interventions to assist students who are balancing work and study.

Policymakers: The study can inform policy decisions regarding student employment and support services in higher education institutions.

Researchers: This study adds to the limited research on the topic, providing a basis for future studies and expanding the discourse on student employment and academic performance.

1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study is delimited to final year students of the Guidance and Counseling department at Sokoto State University. It focuses on examining the types of occupations these students engage in, how these occupations affect their study habits, and identifying strategies to balance work and academic responsibilities. The study does not include students from other departments or institutions, and it does not explore other factors that might influence study habits, such as family responsibilities or extracurricular activities. This focus allows for a detailed and specific examination of the research problem within a manageable scope.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Study Habits: The regular practices or routines that students engage in to facilitate learning and academic success.

Occupation: Any form of employment or work that students engage in alongside their academic studies.

Final Year Students: Students who are in their last year of study in the Guidance and Counseling department at Sokoto State University.

Guidance and Counseling: An academic discipline that focuses on providing support and advice to individuals to help them manage their personal, social, and academic challenges.

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