PREVALENCE OF EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DISORDERS AMONGST UNDERGRADUATES STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

This study was designed to ascertain the Prevalence of Emotional and Behavioural Disorders amongst Undergraduates’ Students in public universities using the University of Benin as the case study. Five (5) research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study deals with undergraduate full time students in the faculty of Education in the University of Benin, which is made up of 8 departments sparsely divided across Ugbowo and Ekehuan Campus of the institution while the respondents were two hundred (200) students randomly selected from four (4) departments in the faculty of education. The research instrument for the study was a Questionnaire titled: The Prevalence of Emotional and Behavioural Disorders Amongst Undergraduates Students Questionnaire (TPEBDAUSQ). The instrument which was distributed to the respondents and collected immediately after completion from respondents. Findings revealed that emotional and behavioral disorders are prevalent among undergraduate education students at the University of Benin, with isolation stemming from past sexual assault and anxiety due to strike actions being notable emotional issues. On the behavioral front, common disorders include examination malpractice, poor class attendance, disrespect towards lecturers, procrastination, and difficulty concentrating in class. Contributing factors to these disorders include a short academic calendar, challenging lecturers, family distress, and a heavy academic workload. Despite the presence of a Guidance and Counseling Unit at the University of Benin, it has not fully achieved its objectives in addressing these issues effectively. To combat this, the university should enhance awareness of the unit's importance in tackling emotional and behavioral disorders among students, thereby fostering a supportive environment for their well-being and academic success. It was recommended that to enhance to address emotional and behavioral disorders among undergraduate education students at the University of Benin, it's crucial to enhance support services such as counseling and guidance, ensuring they are readily accessible and well-promoted within the university community. Additionally, implementing measures to improve lecturer-student relationships, reduce academic stressors, and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity can contribute to a healthier and more conducive learning environment.