IMPLICATIONS

A persistent lack of access to financial services may hinder small enterprises or start-ups from pursuing economic transformation opportunities. This is typical of traditional financial institutions that are reluctant to serve small businesses and start-ups due to perceived high-risk exposure and high failure rates. Hence, financial innovations such as fintech are increasingly leveraged to reduce barriers to capital access for business startups. Fintech offers services and products that meet the financial needs of customers more effectively than traditional banks. End-users adopt fintech services such as mobile money accounts and digital applications for financing, payments, investments, and accessing credit. In order to achieve this, a descriptive survey research design was used in eliciting response gotten from respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data from all working staffs in all SMEs within Benin City, Edo State. While the sample size was restricted to 360 employed workers. The collected data was analyzed using the simple percentage table. In the findings, it was revealed that fintech adoption has a significant effect on access to finance among SMEs in Nigeria. It was also revealed that fintech adoption has a significant impact on the growth and performance of SMEs in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends that government agencies and fintech providers should collaborate to implement widespread financial literacy and digital skills training. This will empower users to confidently navigate fintech platforms, improving economic empowerment and financial management.

Background: Substance use among university students has become a growing concern, particularly when such use is linked to academic pursuits. This study examines the influence of academic-related substance use on student performance, perceptions, and implications, focusing on undergraduate students in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin. Academic-related substance use refers to the consumption of stimulants, energy drinks, prescription medications or other psychoactive substances with the intention of improving concentration, alertness or academic productivity. Objectives: The study investigates the prevalence of these substances, student’s motivations for use, perceived academic benefits and the actual academic and health consequences associated with their consumption. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires to collect quantitative data from a representative sample of students (200 - 600 level). The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among respondents, majority of the respondents (190; 66.0%) reported using substances such as caffeine, prescription stimulants or energy drinks. Among the substances used, caffeine in the form of coffee and energy drinks was the most commonly consumed (159; 55.2%). (107; 37.2%) strongly disagreed that academic pressure encourages substance use. (138; 47.9%) stated that substance use had no impact on their academic performance. The chi-square analysis indicated no statistically significant association between ADHD diagnosis and academic motivation (χ² = 6.252, p = 0.619). Conclusion: The findings revealed a high prevalence of stimulant and caffeine use, primarily driven by academic pressure, accessibility and the perceived need to enhance alertness or concentration