Perceived Racism and Psychological Well-Being Among Igbo Students at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Inter-ethnic experiences among Nigerian university students are a relatively underexplored dimension of campus psychological health, despite the well-documented significance of ethnic discrimination experiences for minority group psychological well-being in diverse academic environments. This study examines the relationship between perceived ethnic discrimination and psychological well-being among Igbo students studying at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey is applied to 200 Igbo students identified through voluntary self-identification and enrolled through purposive snowball sampling. The Everyday Discrimination Scale adapted for Nigerian inter-ethnic context and Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being are administered alongside a questionnaire capturing year of study, length of residence in Akwa Ibom State, and social support. Pearson correlation and regression analysis are computed in SPSS. Available social psychology literature from South South Nigeria identifies microaggressions, social exclusion from friendship groups, and language-based discrimination as the most commonly reported inter-ethnic discrimination experiences, with self-esteem and sense of purpose most negatively affected. Psychological Reactance Theory and the Minority Stress Model provide the theoretical framework. Findings will contribute to the University of Uyo's student diversity and inclusion policy development. Keywords: perceived discrimination, psychological well-being, ethnic minority, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.