SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING LECTURER-STUDENT ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined socio-cultural factors influencing lecturer-student romantic relationships at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. It was guided by two research questions and one hypothesis. The study adopted quantitative research design. The target population of this research work was 34,000 students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The sample size for the study was 203 respondents determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Multistage sampling technique was used for sample selection. The study utilized a questionnaire to gather quantitative data. The questionnaire was self-administered face-to-face by the researchers with two trained student assistants from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. This study used quantitative data from questionnaires, which was analyzed with descriptive statistics like simple percentages and presented in frequency tables. Each table was interpreted, and hypotheses were tested using chi-square (X²) inferential statistics. It was found that peer pressure and academic pressure significantly contribute to lecturer–student romantic relationships in the university. Also, patriarchal cultural norms play a role in fostering such relationships, while cultural beliefs do not exert significant influence. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the university administration should develop and enforce clear policies that prohibit lecturer student romantic relationships. Furthermore, confidential reporting systems should be put in place to discourage peer-influenced behaviors. Academic support services, such as counseling and mentorship programmes, should be strengthened to help students cope with academic pressure without resorting to inappropriate relationships.