Accessing Student Soft Loans and Academic Performance of Students in Rivers State

Abstract

The study examines the effects of student soft loans on the academic performance of students in the state-owned universities in Rivers State. Questionnaires were administered to 248 postgraduate students of River State University (RSU) and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE). Taro Yamen formula was determined used to determine the sample size, while the simple random sampling technique was adopted proportionately to select the respondents from each university. Findings shows that student soft loans exert a positive and significant influence on the academic performance of students and significantly influence on their study habits for continuous and sustained improvement in the academic performance. The studies concluded that student soft loans have significant role to play in enhancing the academic performance of students in Rivers State especially students in the universities. The recommendation is that educational officials, institutions and authorities in Rivers State should take proactive measures to improve the accessibility of soft loans for students in the universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. This involves streamlining application processes, increasing awareness, and establishing support systems to guide students through the loan application process. This can empower students to make informed borrowing decisions, ensuring they understand the terms and conditions of soft loans.