THE EFFECT OF COHABITATION ON STUDENTS EDUCATION IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN BENUE STATE.

This study examined the effects of cohabitation on students' education in tertiary institution in Benue State. Albert Bandura's Social Learning theory (1925) provided theoretical framework for this study. One research hypothesis was formulated to guide this study. Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size of 400. Questionnaire was the major instrument for data collection. Findings from the study revealed that, cohabitation has significant effects on students' education in tertiary institutions in Benue State. Evidences from the study and other sources suggest that student cohabitation leads to poor academic performance. The study concluded that inadequate provision of on-campus accommodation students' poverty, freedom and lack of monitoring by parents/guardian leads to cohabitation and the desire to practice living as married couples push some students of higher institutions in Benue State into cohabitation. The study recommended among others that the Federal, State and private owners of higher institutions should put up adequate hostels for students. Parents should pay regular unscheduled visits to their children in universities so as to monitor their activities. The State government should also give scholarship to indigent students so that, they can meet up with their financial obligations in the university (including payment for on-campus accommodation).