SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING COHABITATION OF MALE AND FEMALE STUDENTS AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cohabitation among university students has become an emerging social reality in many Nigerian tertiary institutions despite strong cultural, religious, and moral disapproval associated with the practice. Among students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, cohabitation has continued to increase due to several socio-cultural and economic factors such as peer pressure, financial hardship, inadequate hostel accommodation, emotional attachment, and exposure to changing social values. This paper examined the socio-cultural factors influencing cohabitation among male and female students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The paper also examined the existence and various forms of cohabitation practiced among students, the consequences associated with the practice, as well as possible interventions for addressing the challenges arising from it. The study adopted Social Learning Theory as its theoretical framework and used questionnaire and in-depth interviews for data collection. Findings revealed that cohabitation is common among students and is largely influenced by peer influence, accommodation challenges, and economic pressures. The study further revealed that cohabitation exposes students to emotional stress, academic distractions, and reproductive health risks. It was recommended that the university management, parents, religious bodies, and other relevant stakeholders should collaborate in providing adequate hostel accommodation, effective counseling services, mentorship programmes, and moral guidance to students in order to reduce the prevalence and challenges associated with cohabitation among undergraduates.