Analysing Rural-to-Urban Migration Among Secondary School Students in Nigeria: Household Income Fluctuation Impact Over Five Years

Rural-to-urban migration is a significant demographic phenomenon in Nigeria, particularly among secondary school students who often move to urban areas for educational and economic opportunities. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating qualitative interviews with quantitative data from a survey of 200 participants across four Nigerian states. Data collection occurred in and . Over the five-year period, there was a notable increase in migration trends, particularly among households experiencing fluctuating income levels, where approximately 45% of students moved to urban centers for better educational or employment prospects. The findings suggest that fluctuations in household income significantly impact secondary school students' decisions to migrate from rural to urban areas in Nigeria. Governments and local communities should develop targeted policies to support students and families during periods of income instability, thereby reducing the likelihood of migration.