ABSTRACT

This study investigates the impact of good governance on the social well-being of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, with a focus on the influence of government transparency, accountability, and public service delivery.

Using a descriptive survey design, the study sampled 100 students from the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology through simple random sampling, selecting 50 students each from the 200-level and 400-level. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire, and analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, and percentages.

The study's findings reveal that good governance has a positive impact on students' social well-being, with government transparency significantly influencing students' sense of security and trust. Additionally, accountability within university governance and effective public service delivery, such as healthcare, counseling, and financial aid, were found to play crucial roles in enhancing students’ academic stability and social well-being. The study concludes that effective governance practices foster inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, all of which contribute to an environment conducive to academic success and social cohesion. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the university administration continue to uphold good governance principles, improve transparency through regular communication, and enhance public services to support students' well-being. Further research is suggested to explore the impact of governance practices across other universities and the relationship between governance and academic performance.