Parental Economic Status and Academic Performance of Accounting Students in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

THE study examined parental economic status and academic performance of accounting students in Nigerian universities. It was motivated by the problem of steady decline in the performance of some classes of accounting students in the country, occasioning concerns amongst well-meaning citizens. The specific objective of the study was to ascertain the extent to which parents’ socio-economic status is related to the academic performance of students in Nigerian universities. The scope of the study was narrowed to students in the Department of Accountancy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Descriptive survey design. Was adopted for the study. The population of the study is 150 final year students in the Department of Accountancy at the University of Nigeria. The sample size of 60 was selected using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was done with inferential statistics (Chi-square, X²). Results obtained indicate that parental socio-economic status was significantly related to academic performance of students in accounting studies in Nigeria; and that parental income level is positively and significantly related to students’ academic performance in accounting studies in Nigeria. It was then recommended among other things that Government should come up with policies for a better socio-economic climate for parents in Nigeria, which will assist boost students’ academic performance in the country.

Keywords: Parents, Accounting Students, Economic Status, Academic Performance, Nigeria.