Impact of Wastages on Academic Achievement of University Students in Bayelsa and Edo States, Nigeria

This study investigated the relationships between educational wastage and the academic achievement of university students in Bayelsa and Edo States, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. Employing an ex-post facto method of correlational research design. The population comprised 2,803 lecturers, with a sample size of 696 selected through purposive and proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Data were gathered using a validated self-structured questionnaire and checklist. Reliability was established through a pilot test on lecturers in Delta State, with internal consistency verified using Cronbach’s Alpha. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Means and standard deviations were used to answer research questions 1 and 2, while coefficient of determination addressed question 3. Hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance using t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. The study found that educational wastage was high. Students in Edo State were found to outperform their Bayelsa counterparts academically, with statistically significant differences in academic achievement recorded between the two states. The study found no significant relationship between educational wastage and the academic achievement of students in either state. Based on these findings, the study recommends proactive engagement by the federal government and university management to resolve the underlying causes of industrial actions, thereby reducing disruptions and improving the overall stability of the educational system.