Students’ perception of access to academic financing in higher education in North-Central Nigeria

The main objective of this study is to investigate students' views on the various means of academic financing for higher education in Nigeria, with analytical insights into how the respondents' demographics moderate their percep­tions. This study adopted a descriptive research design of the survey type. The population of the study comprised students from three higher institutions in North-Central Nigeria, while the target population consisted of students in at least their third year of study. A multi-staged sampling procedure was employed, incorporating purposive, proportionate, and random sampling techniques. A researcher-designed and validated questionnaire was used to assess the impact of ac­ademic financing on higher education in North-Central Ni­geria. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the test of internal consistency approach, after which it was disseminated via online forms. The data collected and stored electronically in spreadsheets were analysed using descrip­tive and inferential data analysis techniques. Findings re­vealed a moderate perceived impact of academic financing on access, with significant variations based on age and type of institution. The study recommends policy reforms focused on equitable and efficiently managed financial aid schemes.