AN EVALUATION OF BALANCING WORK AND STUDY, AND THE TIME MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES FACED IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study In today’s modern university environment, the practice of combining academic studies with employment has become increasingly prevalent. This growing trend reflects a significant transformation in how individuals pursue higher education while simultaneously engaging in work. Of particular interest are students who take on paid employment while enrolled in academic programs. The intersection between education and employment brings about a variety of challenges, with time management being among the most critical. Time, as a limited resource, poses a significant concern for such students, influencing not only their academic performance but also their personal well-being and overall educational experience (Chansaengsee, 2017). A range of factors influence this work-study dynamic. For many students, financial hardship plays a major role in the decision to work during school, either to cover tuition and living expenses or to gain practical experience in their chosen fields. The rising cost of education across the globe has further intensified the financial pressures faced by students and their families, leading more students to seek employment—whether part-time or full-time—alongside their studies (Fitriana et al., 2021). Managing time effectively in such a context is a complex task. Students who work and study often find themselves with very limited time for either activity. Unlike their full-time counterparts who can dedicate most of their day to attending lectures, participating in extracurriculars, and completing assignments, working students must also commit substantial hours to their jobs, often stretching into the evenings and weekends. This time allocation may limit their ability to attend lectures regularly, engage in group work, or participate in campus events that contribute to a well-rounded university experience (Ulriksen & Nejrup, 2021). Beyond academics, these time-related challenges can significantly impact mental and physical health. Balancing work and academic demands frequently leads to high stress levels, fatigue, and even burnout. Many working students report sleep disturbances, poor eating habits, and reduced overall wellness, all of which can negatively affect their concentration, productivity, and motivation. These issues, in turn, threaten their academic goals and future career prospects (Vicencio & Banaag, 2019). Moreover, institutional factors within universities may further aggravate these challenges. Most higher education institutions operate on schedules designed primarily for traditional full-time students, with lectures and key academic services offered during standard daytime hours. For students whose job commitments overlap with these academic timetables, attending classes, accessing academic resources, or seeking support from advisors becomes a logistical struggle. Such constraints can delay academic progress and even jeopardize the timely completion of degree programs (Tetteh & Attiogbe, 2019). The implications of these challenges are far-reaching, affecting not just the individual students but also higher education institutions and society at large. There is a growing need for universities to reconsider their approaches and offer more inclusive and flexible options for students who work. This could include providing evening and weekend classes, online learning opportunities, and hybrid formats that accommodate diverse student needs (Ilori & Akerele, 2024). On a broader scale, how well students manage the dual pressures of work and study has implications for workforce development, social mobility, and equitable access to education. Supporting the academic success of working students can contribute to building a more skilled and adaptable labor force capable of meeting the evolving demands of today’s economy. Achieving this, however, requires a clear understanding of the unique obstacles these students face and the implementation of targeted interventions to support their academic journey and general well-being (Ulriksen & Nejrup, 2021; Ilori & Akerele, 2024). The overlapping demands of employment and academic life present a compelling area of study. With more students taking on employment while pursuing degrees, it is essential to explore effective strategies for balancing these roles. Accordingly, this study aims to examine work and study and the associated challenges of time management in a higher education setting, focusing on the University of Lagos. 1.2 Statement of the Problem In the context of modern university education, students who combine academic responsibilities with employment face considerable challenges, especially in relation to managing their time efficiently. This issue is particularly evident at Imo State University, Owerri, where many students are compelled to balance the dual responsibilities of work and study. At the heart of the problem is the difficulty in finding a sustainable balance between professional duties and academic expectations, which often leads to poor academic performance and a decline in students’ overall well-being. Financial necessity and the desire for work experience often drive students to seek employment. However, doing so places immense demands on their time, leaving little room for focused study, relaxation, or involvement in extracurricular activities. As a result, students may struggle to keep up with their academic workload and suffer from elevated stress levels, burnout, and mental fatigue. In addition, many work schedules are inflexible and frequently clash with academic obligations, making it hard for students to attend classes, submit assignments on time, or participate in essential academic engagements. The absence of tailored institutional support only makes matters worse, as students are left to navigate these difficulties largely on their own. Socially, the strain of balancing work and study can also interfere with students’ ability to build relationships and maintain a vibrant social life—an important component of the overall university experience. Despite the evident effects on academic outcomes and student well-being, there remains a lack of in-depth research focusing on students who juggle both academic and employment responsibilities. In light of this, the present study seeks to explore the intersection of work and study, focusing on the time-related challenges experienced by students at the University of Lagos. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The general objective of this study is to evaluate how students manage work and study, along with the time-related challenges they encounter at the University of Lagos. The specific objectives are to: i. Examine how work-study challenges affect students' reading habits at the University of Lagos. ii. Determine how work-study challenges influence students’ success in examinations at the University of Lagos. iii. Investigate how work-study challenges impact students' ability to concentrate at the University of Lagos. 1.4 Research Questions The study will be guided by the following research questions: i. To what extent do work-study challenges affect students' reading habits at the University of Lagos? ii. To what extent do work-study challenges impact students’ success in examinations at the University of Lagos? iii. To what extent do work-study challenges affect students' concentration levels at the University of Lagos? 1.5 Significance of the Study The relevance of this study lies in both its theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretical Significance: This study contributes to the academic discourse on the intersection of work and study in higher education by offering data-driven insights specific to the Nigerian educational landscape. It can serve as a useful resource for students and researchers interested in conducting further investigations into similar or related issues. By doing so, the study helps expand the existing body of knowledge on the subject. Practical Significance: From a practical perspective, the study provides valuable guidance in several areas. The findings can aid in the development of specialized time management programs designed for students who work while studying, ultimately improving productivity and reducing stress. University administrators and policymakers can also use these insights to introduce student-friendly policies such as flexible class schedules, part-time learning options, and extended access to academic resources like libraries. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of enhancing academic advising, counseling, and career support services for working students. Employers may also benefit by understanding the academic pressures faced by student workers and, in turn, offering flexible working hours or study leave. Overall, the research may help universities allocate resources more effectively, especially by expanding online learning tools, organizing study groups, and hosting time management workshops. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research is focused on work and study and the time-related challenges faced by students in higher institutions, with specific attention to the University of Lagos. Empirically, it investigates how these challenges influence students’ reading habits, exam performance, and ability to concentrate. Geographically, the scope is limited to students enrolled at the University of Lagos, located in Lagos State, Nigeria. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with any academic research, this study encountered a few limitations: Time Constraints: The researcher had to juggle the demands of academic coursework alongside conducting this study, leading to some time management challenges. Financial Constraints: Various financial obligations, including printing, typesetting, literature search, and data collection, placed a strain on the research budget. Availability of Materials: There was limited access to existing literature related to this specific topic, making the review process more challenging due to the scarcity of relevant academic resources. 1.8 Definition of Terms Academic Performance: The level of success a student achieves in meeting educational goals, typically measured through grades and GPA. In this study, it relates to how work-study balance affects academic outcomes. Higher Institution: Refers to tertiary education providers such as universities and colleges. For this study, the term specifically denotes Imo State University, Owerri. Reading Culture: A student’s habitual commitment to reading, especially academic or subject-related texts. Success Rate of Student: The frequency at which students achieve positive academic results at the end of each academic term or session. Time Management: The deliberate planning and control of how time is spent on different activities to enhance efficiency. In this study, it examines how students manage their schedules to accommodate both work and academics. Work-Study Balance: The ability of a student to manage both job responsibilities and academic