INFLUENCE OF ECONOMIC STATUS ON THE SOCIAL HEALTH OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

This paper explores the influence of economic status on the social health of undergraduate students at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria. Education is a fundamental aspect of individual growth and societal development. However, students' economic backgrounds can significantly impact their social well-being. To execute this research, four research questions and four research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. In this study, descriptive survey design was used with three hundred and fifty-seven (357) respondents chosen as the sample size for the study. The analytical tool used was mean and standard deviation with a benchmark of 2.50. The results revealed that there are challenges students with lower economic status face in accessing essential educational resources, there are ways economic status contributes to the mental health and overall well-being of undergraduate students, economic status influences Social Integration and Networking Opportunities of Students and perceptions of undergraduate students regarding the role of economic status in shaping their access to social support systems is high. The researchers conclude by recommending that compare the experiences of students with lower economic status across different educational institutions and settings, among others.