JONAED

The study investigated the challenges of student mothers in higher education. It also aimed at identifying available support system for their inclusion in higher education. The study adopted a qualitative approach and used purposeful sampling technique to select 22 student mothers aged 21–40 years, drawn from higher institutions in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected through Focus group discussion and a semi-structured interview. Data generated were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings revealed that the most challenging factor is combination of the dual role of academic and parental activities which to a large extent affects their academic performance. Findings also suggest that student mothers major source of support came from their husbands while the least source of support came from scholarships, grants and loans. Findings also revealed that student mothers feel very much excluded in the main stream of academics due to their inability to measure up with fellow students. The study therefore, recommended an inclusion approach by establishing student support centre, early childhood educational development center and counseling units in higher institutions to help address the issues.