Influence Of Demographic Variables, Awareness And Attitudes Of Students Towards Solid Waste Disposal Practices In Tertiary Institutions In The Calabar Education Zone Of Cross River State

This study examined the influence of demographic variables, awareness and attitude of Students towards solid waste disposal in tertiary institutions in Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Five statements of hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Literature review was carried out based on the variables under study. Survey research design was considered most suitable for the study. Purposive, proportionate random sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the four tertiary institutions and 883 respondents sampled for the study. A validated 15 item four point modified likert scale questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The reliability estimate of the instrument ranged from 0.71-0.83 using Cronbach Alpha method. To test the hypotheses formulated for the study, independent t-test, Analysis of Variance and Simple linear regression statistical tools were used. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that gender, age, educational level and income level all had a significant influence on attitude toward waste disposal while awareness has a weak influence on attitude toward waste disposal. It was recommended among others that Tertiary institutions should integrate environmental education, including solid waste disposal practices, into the curriculum and extracurricular programs to enhance students’ awareness and attitudes. Gender-Sensitive Interventions: Environmental programs should include gender-targeted strategies to encourage male students to adopt proper waste disposal practices, such as workshops, competitions, and mentorship programs.