Factors Influencing Adoption of Islamic Banking Products Among Muslim University Staff in South South Nigeria

This study empirically investigates the factors influencing the adoption of Islamic banking products among Muslim academic and administrative staff in universities in South South Nigeria, specifically in Rivers, Delta, and Edo states. Despite the national expansion of Islamic banking since the Central Bank of Nigeria's non-interest banking framework, adoption rates among educated Muslims in southern Nigeria remain poorly understood. The study employs a quantitative survey design using the Technology Acceptance Model adapted for Islamic finance contexts, with questionnaires administered to 280 Muslim university staff members. Data are analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings indicate that religious obligation (perceived Islamic legitimacy), subjective norms from religious community networks, and awareness of specific Islamic banking products are the strongest predictors of adoption intention. Perceived service quality and institutional trust are significant moderating variables. A notable research gap addressed by this study is the influence of geographic and minority-community identity on Islamic banking behaviour in southern Nigerian educated populations. The study recommends targeted Islamic banking awareness programmes at southern Nigerian universities, product simplification by Islamic financial institutions, and collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria and Muslim community organisations to close the Islamic finance awareness gap in the South South zone. Keywords: Islamic banking adoption, Muslim university staff, South South Nigeria, Technology Acceptance Model, non-interest banking.