Research Purpose: This paper investigates how inadequate funding impacts the academic performance of students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. With a focus on the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), it seeks to determine the relationship between funding levels and student outcomes.
Methodology: Data were gathered from secondary sources, including Capital and Recurrent Receipts from the Enugu State Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for 2016 to 2019, alongside student performance metrics. Hypotheses were tested using the coefficient of determination (r²) and t-statistic at a 95% confidence level with 3 degrees of freedom.
Findings: The analysis revealed a significant relationship between external funding and student performance at ESUT. Improved funding correlates with better academic outcomes for students.
Conclusion: The study concludes that insufficient funding adversely affects student performance in tertiary institutions. Sustained and increased funding is crucial for enhancing the quality of education and student success.
Recommendations: To improve academic performance, the study recommends enhanced and continuous funding for tertiary institutions. Additionally, further research should explore other factors influencing student performance beyond funding.