DETERMINANTS OF SCHOOL BURNOUT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL PHASE IN NIGERIA: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING ANALYSIS

Abstract

The removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria has heightened different challenges, especially among university undergraduates, contributing to the growing problem of school burnout. Based on this premise, this study examined the predictive role of financial strain andacademic resilience on school burnout among undergraduates of the University of Ilorin. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were conveniently collected from 212 undergraduates using standardised measures of academic resilience, financial strain, and school burnout. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesised relationships. Results showed that financial strain positively predicted school burnout. Academic resilience also significantly and negatively affected school burnout. These findings suggest that while financial strain remains a risk factor for school burnout, academic resilience serves as a protective resourcetoward mitigating school burnout. Overall, the study contributes to the scarce literature on undergraduate school burnout in Nigeria and offers valuable insights for government, academic policymakers and educational institutions seeking to eradicate the menace of school burnout and improve student well-being.