Assessment of Private Costs of University Education among Final-Year Undergraduate Students in University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2025179Abstract
This study analyzed the private costs of university education among final-year Nursing undergraduates at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from all 310 final-year Nursing students via a validated questionnaire (PECQ-NS, α=0.84). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation analysis, and simple linear regression at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that clinical materials (Mean=3.65), off-campus accommodation (Mean=3.57), and transportation to teaching hospitals (Mean=3.48) were the most significant cost components. A moderate positive relationship existed between socio-economic background and private costs (r=0.381, p<0.001), indicating greater hardship for lower-income students. Private costs significantly affected academic experiences and completion rates, explaining 20% of the variation (R2=0.200,p<0.001). Interestingly, male students incurred significantly higher average private costs (Mean=70.84) than female students (Mean=67.13, p=0.006). The study concludes that substantial private costs, influenced by socio-economic status and gender, negatively impact Nursing students' academic journey. Recommendations include subsidizing clinical materials, prioritizing support for disadvantaged students, expanding hostel spaces, and developing gender-sensitive financial policies.
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