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Vol. 6 No. 4 (2026): August

Academic Performance Among Undergraduates: Examining the Predictive Role of Social Support in Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v6.n4.p523-533.2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the predictive role of social support on academic performance among undergraduates at the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Research Methodology: Cross-sectional survey design was adopted while a convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from 230 participants using validated scales. Data collected were analyzed using simple linear regression to test one hypothesis, which was accepted at p <.001 level of significance.

Results: The results showed that social support was positively correlated with academic performance among the study participants (r = .452, p <.001). Furthermore, the result revealed that social support significantly predicted academic performance among study participants, R2 = .201, F(1, 228) = 30.94, p <.001. Conclusions: The study concluded that social support is a robust predictor of academic performance among undergraduate students at Rivers State University.

Limitations: The use of self-reported scales and a single university serve as potential limitations of this study, which need to be addressed in future studies.

Contributions: This study provides policymakers with valuable insights into the design and implementation of policies and educators on how to mentor and counsel their students to improve their academic performance.

Keywords

Academic Performance Social Support Undergraduates

How to Cite

Obisesan, O. A., Erasmus, E. O., & Uye, E. E. (2026). Academic Performance Among Undergraduates: Examining the Predictive Role of Social Support in Nigeria. Journal of Social, Humanity, and Education, 6(4), 523–533. https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v6.n4.p523-533.2026

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Authors

1 Oluwunmi A. Obisesan
Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
2 Endurance O. Erasmus
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
3 Emmanuel E. Uye
University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

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Vol. 6 No. 4 (2026): August
Section: Articles
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