AN ASSESSMENT OF WORK AND STUDY, AND THE CHALLENGES OF TIME IN THE HIGHER INSTITUTION  (A STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Within modern higher education environments, the notion of "work and study" has become more widespread, indicating a notable change in how people pursue academic pursuits while still participating in professional undertakings. A phenomena of special significance is seen among students who engage in paid jobs in conjunction with their academic endeavours. The convergence of employment and education presents several obstacles, mostly centred on the effective allocation of time. Due to its vital nature, time becomes a primary worry for these students, affecting their academic achievement, personal welfare, and overall educational experience (Chansaengsee, 2017). The dynamics of work and study are influenced by several variables. Financial constraints sometimes compel students to pursue jobs in order to fund their education, meet living costs, or get hands-on experience in their area of study. Within the realm of higher education, where tuition costs are steadily increasing worldwide, the economic strain on students and their families has escalated, requiring the utilisation of other means of earning. Consequently, an increasing proportion of students are managing both part-time or full-time employment with their academic responsibilities, skilfully combining the demands of career and education (Fitriana et al., 2021).

The complexities linked to time management in the context of job and education are many and widespread. Firstly, the considerable requirements of managing both work and academic obligations might result in a limited availability of time for both endeavours. In contrast to conventional full-time students who primarily dedicate their time to academic courses and extracurricular activities, working students are required to dedicate significant parts of their day to job-related responsibilities, which frequently stretch into nights and weekends. This allocation of time might hinder their capacity to attend lectures, contribute to group projects, or participate in campus activities crucial for comprehensive personal and professional growth (Ulriksen & Nejrup, 2021). Furthermore, time limitations have a negative effect not just on academic achievement but also on mental and physical health. The strain of managing conflicting demands may lead to increased levels of worry, exhaustion, and burnout among university students. The dual demands of academic excellence and employment responsibilities may establish a recurring pattern of persistent stress, which can have detrimental effects on sleep patterns, food habits, and general well-being. Hence, students may encounter a decline in cognitive abilities, a drop in productivity, and a loss of motivation, all of which may adversely affect their educational objectives and future employment opportunities (Vicencio & Banaag, 2019).

Furthermore, institutional issues within higher education institutions increase the temporal problems experienced by working students. Many institutions of higher education function according to timetables largely tailored for conventional students, with lectures conducted during regular daylight hours. For working students whose job obligations coincide with academic schedules, this scheduling system may provide practical difficulties. Consequently, these students may have challenges in engaging in essential academic advising sessions, obtaining necessary academic help, or accessing needed courses, which might impede their academic advancement and degree completion (Tetteh & Attiogbe, 2019). The ramifications of difficulties in managing time in the context of employment and study are extensive, affecting many participants within the higher education system. In order to effectively meet the demands of working students, educational institutions must reassess their policies and procedures to ensure they are more inclusive and suitable for a wide range of student demographics. The use of flexible schedule alternatives, such as evening or weekend sessions, online learning modules, or hybrid instructional formats, may provide more flexibility in managing job and study obligations (Ilori & Akerele, 2024). From a theoretical standpoint, the capacity of people to effectively negotiate the intricacies of employment and education has consequences for the growth of the labour force, upward social mobility, and fair distribution of resources. By promoting the educational goals of employed students, society may cultivate a more proficient and adaptable workforce well-equipped to fulfil changing economic requirements. Nevertheless, attaining these objectives requires a sophisticated comprehension of the distinct obstacles encountered by employing students, along with focused measures designed to improve their academic achievements and general welfare (Ulriksen & Nejrup, 2021; Ilori & Akerele, 2024). The convergence of employment and academic pursuits in higher education offers a captivating field of study, as shown by the difficulties linked to time allocation. The growing number of students who are simultaneously working and seeking academic qualifications necessitates the development of efficient methods to manage these two commitments. Therefore, the researcher sought to assess work and study, and the challenges of time in the higher institution (a study of University of Lagos)

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Within the realm of modern higher education, the simultaneous endeavour of occupational and academic pursuits poses notable obstacles, particularly in relation to the effective allocation of time. The challenge is especially evident at Imo State University, Owerri, where a significant proportion of students are required to balance the responsibilities of work with their academic obligations. At the core of the issue is the challenge of attaining an ideal equilibrium between professional obligations and educational demands, which often leads to negative outcomes for students' academic achievements and general welfare. The need to engage in employment, motivated by financial limitations and the aspiration for professional expertise, imposes a demanding timetable on students, resulting in sparse time for academic pursuits, leisure, and extracurricular initiatives. These time constraints not only impede students capacity to completely interact with academic material but also increase stress levels, resulting in possible burnout and reduced mental well-being. Moreover, the rigidity of work schedules often conflicts with the academic calendar, resulting in students being unable to attend courses, meet deadlines, and participate in crucial academic activities. The absence of sufficient institutional support mechanisms to tackle these distinct requirements exacerbates the issue, since students are compelled to navigate this complex landscape mostly alone. Moreover, it is crucial to consider the social ramifications of this matter, as the need to fulfil both academic and professional obligations could undermine personal connections and social interactions, which are essential elements of the university experience. Notwithstanding the clear influence on student life and academic achievements, there is a lack of extensive research that specifically examines the difficulties encountered by students who engage in both job and study concurrently. Hence, the study assess work and study, and the challenges of time in the higher institution (a study of University of Lagos)

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to assess work and study, and the challenges of time in the higher institution University of Lagos, as a case study. Other specific objectives are:

Examine the extent work-study challenges impact student’s reading culture in the University of Lagos.

Determine the extent work-study challenges impact student’s success rate in exams in University of Lagos.

Investigate the extent work-study challenges impact student’s level of concentration inUniversity of Lagos.

1.4 Research Questions

This study is guided by the following research questions:

To what extent does work-study challenges impact student’s reading culture in University of Lagos?

To what extent does work-study challenges impact student’s success rate in exams in University of Lagos?

To what extent does work-study challenges impact student’s level of concentration inUniversity of Lagos?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will be of theoretical and practical significance.

Theoretical Significance: The study adds to the body of academic literature on work and study, and the challenges of time in the higher institution by providing empirical evidence and insights specific to the Nigerian context. It serves as a reference point to students and researchers who may which to carry out further research on this topic or related domain in the future. Hence, this study will help to extend the frontier of knowledge.

Practical Significance: The study holds practical significance in several areas, including the development of tailored time management programs for students balancing work and study, which can enhance productivity and reduce stress. Findings can inform university administrators and policymakers in creating supportive policies such as flexible class schedules, part-time study options, and extended library hours. It can also emphasize the need for improved support services like academic advising, counseling, and career services tailored for working students. Employers may benefit from insights on academic pressures to offer more flexible work hours or study leave. Furthermore, the study can guide universities in better resource allocation to support working students through online learning resources, study groups, and time management workshops. 

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on work and study, and the challenges of time in the higher institution (a study of University of Lagos). Empirically, the study will examine the extent work-study challenges impact student’s reading culture in the University of Lagos, determine the extent work-study challenges impact student’s success rate in exams in University of Lagos and investigate the extent work-study challenges impact student’s level of concentration inUniversity of Lagos.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to the University of Lagos, Lagos State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Academic Performance: The extent to which a student has achieved their educational goals, often measured through grades, GPA, and other academic indicators. The study will explore how the dual responsibilities of work and study impact the academic performance of students at Imo State University Owerri.

Higher Institution: An educational institution providing education beyond the secondary level, such as a college or university. For this study, "higher institution" specifically refers to Imo State University Owerri, where the research is conducted.

Reading Culture: This is a habitual behaviour or activity whereby students devote their time to read academic book especially their specialist subject. 

Success rate of Student: This is extent or level of occurrence of good academic results by students at the end of a semester.       

Time Management: The process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities to increase efficiency and productivity. In this study, this term will be used to analyze how students at Imo State University Owerri organize their daily schedules to accommodate both work and study.

 Work-Study Balance: The ability of a student to effectively manage and allocate their time and resources between their job responsibilities and academic requirements. In this study, work-study balance refers to how students at Imo State University Owerri juggle their employment duties with their coursework and academic obligations.

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