MPACT OF GAMBLING ON YOUTHS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS ACADEMIC HARD WORK IN ODOGBOLU AND IJEBU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Abstract

The increase in the prevalence of gambling have engrossed numerous young people across the globe, and it is taken to be a risky action in the hope of a desired result, no wonder it was recognised as a social menace among some Nigerians.Hence, this study investigated the impact of gambling on youth’s attitude towards academic hardwork in Odogbolu and Ijebu North local government areas of Ogun State. Four research questions were developed and one research hypothesis was formulated. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the two towns used for the study, while simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a self-developed questionnaire drafted by the researchers titled “Gambling and Youths’ Attitude towards Hard Work Scale” [GYATHWS] with reliability of 0.74. Data obtained were analysed using frequency counts and percentages while the research hypothesis was tested using chi-square (x2) inferential statistics. Findings revealed that there was a significant relationship existed between gambling and youth’s attitude towards academic hard work since the calculated value X2c = 290.59 is greater than the table value X2 t = 9.48. This implies that gamblers don’t believe in hard work. The study further revealed that the consequences of gambling have not only affected their attitude towards hard work rather changed their mindset about wealth creation. The study concluded that gambling has become a social hazard in contemporary society. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that government should create more employment opportunities for youths so as to reduce unemployment rates and gambling activities among them.