Perceptions of the Students Work Aid Programme (SWAP) At Tertiary Institutions in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The study advocates for the expansion of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund’s (NEL Fund) mandate to include the Students Work Aid Programme (SWAP), in order to accommodate more financially disadvantaged students who cannot access student loans. The primary objective of the study is to determine the availability of SWAP in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. In addition, it examines the impact of SWAP on the completion of undergraduate studies and the enhancement of post-graduation employment opportunities. The scope of the study covers tertiary institutions—universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education—in South Eastern Nigeria that are owned by the federal and state governments as well as private establishments. Using an exploratory mixed methods approach, data were collected from 104 respondents (staff and students) across 20 institutions that reflect this institutional mix. The findings reveal that: (i) SWAP is available in only a few institutions in South Eastern Nigeria; (ii) there is a need to introduce SWAP in all tertiary institutions where it is currently unavailable; (iii) SWAP has a positive effect on undergraduate study completion, as it improves completion rates and reduces dropout rates; (iv) SWAP provides opportunities for students to acquire workplace knowledge and skills; (v) awareness of SWAP among staff and students is relatively low; and (vi) SWAP should be made a mandatory programme in tertiary institutions in Nigeria to support financially disadvantaged students. The study makes policy recommendations for the development of a financial aid system that integrates SWAP into NEL Fund, and funded through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund).