The Lived Experiences of Homelessness and Insecurity among Displaced University Students in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the lived experiences of homelessness and insecurity among displaced university students in Nigeria. These students face significant challenges, including limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, which adversely affect their academic performance as well as their physical and mental well-being. Experiences of stigma, anxiety, and uncertainty further hinder their ability to concentrate on studies and achieve academic goals. The study addressed two research questions and tested two null hypotheses.

Methodology: The study employed a mixed-methods design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The population included all displaced university students in Nigeria, with a sample size of 1,000 participants. A simple random technique was used to select 3 universities and stratified sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a self-structured instrument, the Lived Experiences of Homelessness and Insecurity among Displaced University Students Questionnaire (LEHIDUSQ), which consists of two sections: Part A (personal information) and Part B (research questions). Items were rated on a four-point Likert scale: Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D), and Strongly Disagree (SD). Additionally, 15 participants were interviewed. The instrument was administered by the researcher and two research assistants, all of whom were familiar with the study area and adhered to ethical standards. Data collection utilized online platforms such as Google Forms and Microsoft Forms. Simple percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations were used to address the research questions. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Statistic tested the hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level, and thematic analysis was conducted using Nvivo.

Findings: The findings indicate that homelessness and insecurity among displaced university students in Nigeria present significant challenges that undermine academic achievement, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address these issues and promote students’ academic success and well-being.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study highlights the struggles students face as a result insecurities, displacement forces many university students to abandon or interrupt studies, leading to dropout risks, delayed graduation, loss of academic progress, and long-term barriers to completing higher education. Insecurity closes campuses or makes commuting unsafe, while homelessness compounds this by removing stable environments for studying. Displaced students face ongoing physical threats, psychological trauma and existential insecurity. This extends beyond physical homelessness to include lack of shelter, food, or basic needs, heightening risks of exploitation, gender-based violence (especially for female students), or mental health deterioration.