Peer Pressure, Family Background, and Gender as Predictors of Career Choice among Private University Students in Oyo State

Career choice remains one of the most critical decisions facing undergraduates, particularly in Nigeria, where persistent youth unemployment, labour market mismatch, and strong socio-cultural influences complicate decision-making. This study investigated peer pressure, family background, and gender as predictors of career choice among private university students in Oyo State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A total of 1,436 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 811 were duly completed and analysed using descriptive statistics and a regression model to examine the joint influence of the three predictors. Findings revealed that peer pressure exerted both positive and negative influences on students’ career orientations, functioning as a double-edged factor that promotes academic excellence while also encouraging risky behaviours. Family background showed a moderately strong influence, particularly through parental education, cultural orientation, and values, rather than purely socio-economic or social class status. Gender was also found to influence career choices, with stereotypes and societal expectations still shaping decisions, though many students demonstrated increasing resistance to restrictive norms. The regression analysis, however, showed that peer pressure, family background, and gender jointly explained only a small proportion of the variance in career choice, suggesting that other factors such as personal interest, mentorship, and labour market realities are more decisive. The study concludes that career decision-making among private university students is complex and multidimensional. It contributes to knowledge by highlighting the need for holistic, student-centred career guidance interventions that empower undergraduates to align personal aspirations with labour market realities