EMPOWERING FUTURE FINANCIAL LEADERS: AN EXAMINATION OF PEER-LED FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS AND THEIR IMPACT ON FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING AMONG NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Developing financial literacy in the early years of secondary education is essential for forming responsible financial decisions as an adult. Financial literacy is an essential life skill. This study examines how peer-led financial workshops affect secondary school students in Nigeria’s ability to make financial decisions. It focuses on how these workshops affect students’ knowledge, attitudes, and financial behaviors. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the outcomes of these workshops. The quantitative analysis revealed a significant improvement in students’ financial knowledge, with an approximate 25% increase in their scores on financial knowledge-related questions. Furthermore, students exhibited more positive financial attitudes, showing increased confidence in managing money and recognizing the importance of financial planning. Most notably, students displayed changes in financial behaviors, with heightened inclinations to save, reduced impulsive spending, and more prudent debt management practices. Qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into students’ experiences, emphasizing that the workshops increased financial knowledge and empowered students to make meaningful changes in their financial decision-making. Peer influence and relatability played a pivotal role in this transformation, underscoring the effectiveness of peer-led financial workshops. The implications of these findings are profound for financial education in Nigerian secondary schools. The study underscores the promise of peer-led workshops, the importance of cultural sensitivity, the cultivation of positive financial mindsets, and the need for sustainability in financial education programs. While the study acknowledges its limitations, including sample size and the short-term focus, it provides a robust foundation for future research in longitudinal studies, comparative analysis, cultural influences, teacher preparedness, resource-efficient models, and specific financial outcomes. In conclusion, this research contributes to the broader discourse on financial education by demonstrating the significant impact of peer-led financial workshops in Nigerian secondary schools. It highlights the potential for equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible financial decisions, ultimately fostering financial well-being and success in their futures.