EXPLORING IMPACT OF OFF-CAMPUS COHABITATION ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG STUDENTS OF SELECTED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING WITHIN BAUCHI METROPOLIS, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the impact of off-campus cohabitation on academic performance among tertiary institution 
students within Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. The research aimed to explore the causes, effects, and nexus of student 
off-campus cohabitation with student academic performance. Norm Activation Model and Subcultural Theory were 
employed as theoretical frameworks for the study, using a descriptive survey design. 400 students from the four 
selected institutions were drawn using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A structured and validated 
questionnaire was used for quantitative data collection. 8 key Informants were purposively selected for In-depth 
Interview (IDI). Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS descriptive tool and presented in tables of frequency 
counts and percentages. Qualitative data was coded, recorded, analyzed, and presented verbatim. The study revealed 
that insufficient on-campus housing and financial constraints were the main motivators for off-campus cohabitation. 
Lifestyle choice also played a considerable role in student off-campus cohabitation. Off-campus cohabitation retards 
academic performance among students. Off-campus cohabitation renders students vulnerable to crime victimization, 
illicit marriages, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, drug abuse, and other social vices associated 
with off-campus cohabitation. The study recommends improving on-campus habitation among students, establishing 
financial support programs, and implementing safe habitation awareness initiatives on safe legitimate, and 
responsible cohabitation among students Consistent counseling and support services are also suggested to help 
students appreciate and cope with the physical, emotional, and psychological pitfalls connected to off-campus 
cohabitation.