Impact of Insecurity on Psycho-Social Wellbeing of Undergraduate Students in Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Insecurity has emerged as a persistent challenge to the effective functioning of higher education institutions in many parts of Nigeria, with implications that extend beyond physical safety to students’ psychological and social wellbeing. This study examined the Impact of Insecurity on Psycho-Social wellbeing of undergraduate students in Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 364 undergraduate students selected through proportionate stratified sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit students’ perceptions of the psychological and social effects of insecurity, as well as the coping strategies employed in response to these challenges. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The findings revealed that insecurity significantly affected students’ psychological wellbeing, manifesting in fear, anxiety, emotional distress, and reduced concentration, all of which undermined academic engagement and educational development. Socially, insecurity constrained students’ participation in academic and extracurricular activities, limited peer interaction, and weakened their sense of belonging within the university community. The study concludes that insecurity poses a serious threat to undergraduate educational development through its psycho-social effects and highlights the need for comprehensive institutional and policy interventions.