Study of the Role of School Cooperative Societies in Promoting Savings Culture Among Students in Imo State

School cooperative societies represent an important entry point for introducing young people to cooperative values and savings habits, yet their prevalence and effectiveness in secondary schools in South East Nigeria have received limited research attention. This study examined the role of school cooperative societies in promoting a savings culture among secondary school students in Imo State. A descriptive survey was conducted among 220 students and 30 teacher-advisors from ten secondary schools in Owerri, Orlu, and Isiala Mbano Local Government Areas. Structured questionnaires assessed cooperative participation rates, savings behaviour before and after cooperative membership, financial literacy levels, and student perceptions of cooperative benefits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. Results showed that 64.1 percent of surveyed students participated in school cooperative activities. Regular savings habit formation was significantly higher among cooperative participants (73.4 percent) than non-participants (31.7 percent; p < 0.001). Financial literacy scores were also significantly higher for cooperative participants. Teacher-advisors reported that inadequate funds for cooperative activities and limited parental support were the primary constraints to cooperative effectiveness. The study concludes that school cooperatives are effective instruments for early savings habit formation in Imo State and recommends that the state Secondary Education Management Board formalise school cooperative registration requirements and provide teacher-advisor training through the Cooperative Colleges. Keywords: school cooperatives, savings culture, students, Imo State, financial literacy