Socio-economic status and tertiary academic performance in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined socio-economic status and tertiary academic performance in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study utilised propensity score matching model and survey data generated from 468 questionnaires distributed among student in 13 higher institutions in the state. It was found that students' academic performances would significantly decrease with low socio-economic status. Further, low socio-economic status has negative significant impact on students' academic performance. Hence, with low socio-economic status, academic performance of students in tertiary institutions in Enugu State decreases by about 62.5% but will rise by about 37.5% if the student were to be in the upper echelon of the socio-economic strata (middle and high). The study recommended among others that there is need for the government, non-governmental organisations, and other philanthropist to provide education fund concessions such as scholarships, bursary awards, and other special education interventions funds to students from poor background.