TEST ANXIETY AND SELF-ESTEEM AS CORRELATES OF ACADEMIC ACHIVEMENT AMONG STUDENTS OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA

Abstract

This study investigated test anxiety and self-esteem as correlates of academic achievement

among students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The objectives are to assess the levels of

test anxiety and self-esteem among university students and to explore the relationship between

these psychological factors and academic achievement. A correlational research design was

employed, focusing on establishing relationships between test anxiety, self-esteem, and academic

achievement. The study population comprises 1036 final year students of the Faculty of

Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka for 2021/ 2022 academic session. Sample of the

study consist of 200 students drawn through simple random sampling from the eight departments

in the faculty. Data was collected using validated instruments and exam scores. The collected

data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The major findings are that

students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University have high levels of test anxiety but low self-esteem. While

test anxiety has an inverse relationship with academic achievement, self-esteem has a strong

direct relationship with academic achievement. These findings have significant implications for

students, educators, government and policymakers, including university management.