Abstract

This study investigated the impact of social and familial stressors on the academic performance of Nigerian university students. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a sample of 1,200 third- and fourth-year students from twenty-four universities across Nigeria was selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Contrary to peer pressure, family expectations, financial constraints, and cultural norms significantly influenced students’ academics and overall well-being. The study highlighted social interactions and societal pressures contributing to overall stress levels. Coping mechanisms included relaxation techniques and seeking support from friends, while exercise, professional advice, or counseling were less utilized. Binary logistic regression showed no significant associations between coping mechanisms, gender, age groups, and academic achievement. Gender did not significantly influence stressor prevalence. The study identified significant variations in familial and social stressors across different age groups among Nigerian university students. These findings provide insights into student challenges, informing strategies for enhanced well-being and academic success. Recommendations include raising awareness about family expectations, providing financial literacy education, promoting cultural sensitivity, and offering mental health support. The study emphasizes gender-neutral services, longitudinal research, peer mentoring programs, and institutional collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Nigerian students.