CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Education is a process by which the mind of human being develops through learning at homes, streets, religious institutions like churches and mosques, schools, colleges or universities. It is also a process whereby a person develops attitudes and abilities that are considered to have value and relevance in the society. It is the best legacy a nation can give to her citizens especially the youth. Every nation hoping to have bright future needs to emphasis education because it is the only way to much development. Yusuf and Al-Banawi (2013) noted that education must be considered as a key investment in modern economies because, as previously seen within the framework of a knowledge-based economy, there are strong and positive correlation between economic activity and education in explaining economic growth. Asiru (2014) stated that education is a catalyst to the development of individuals, society and the nation as a whole. Dagbo (2014) also opined that education in an important tool for social growth, development and interaction of all elements in the society for it economics, social and political well-being. Olayanju (2014) posited that education plays a critical role in human capacity building and skills acquisition.

The school environment which include the classrooms, libraries, technical workshops, laboratories, teachers’ quality, school management, teaching methods, peers e.t.c are variables that affect students’ academic achievement (Oluchukwu, 2000). Hence, the school environment remains an important area that should be studied and well managed to enhance students’ academic performance. The Issue of Poor Academic Performance of Students has been of much concern to the government, parents, teachers and even students themselves. The quality of education not only depends on the teachers as reflected in the performance of their duties, but also in the effective coordination of the school environment (Ajao, 2001).

School environment which include instructional spaces planning, administrative places planning, circulation spaces planning, spaces for conveniences planning, accessories planning, the teachers as well as the students themselves are essential in teaching-learning process. The extent to which student learning could be enhanced depends on their location within the school compound, the structure of their classroom, availability of instructional facilities and accessories. It is believed that a well planned school will gear up expected outcomes of education that will facilitate good social, political and economic emancipation, effective teaching and learning process and academic performance of the students. Relating this study to international occurrences is the assertions of Marsden (2005). That safe and orderly classroom environment (aspect of instructional space), school facilities (accessories) were significantly related to students’ academic performance in schools and that a comfortable and caring environment among other treatments helped to contribute to students’ academic performance.

The physical characteristics of the school have a variety of effects on teachers, students and the learning process. Poor lighting, noise, high levels of carbon dioxide in classrooms and inconsistent temperatures make teaching and learning difficult. Poor maintenance and ineffective ventilation systems lead to poor health among students as well as teachers, which leads to poor performance and higher absentee rates (Frazier, 2002). These factors can adversely affect student behavior and lead to higher levels of frustration among teachers, and poor learning attitude among students.

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The academic achievement of secondary school students in Yonov community college, Ikpayongo has not been satisfactory based on their performance in external examinations; this could be as a result of the school environment. Ikpoyongo is small town close to makrudi local government filled with low income earners. Most the people there are traders and might have little or no financial resources to provide adequate learning materials for their children. Secondly, the school environment is not very conducive for teaching and learning. The buildings are dilapidated and there are not learning materials in the library. It is to this regard the study is based on the effect of school environment and socio economic status of parents on the academic achievement of secondary school students.  

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim of the research work is to determine the effect of school environment and socio economic status of parents on the academic achievement of secondary school students. The objectives of the study are:

1.  To determine the relationship between school environment, socio economic status of parents and academic achievement of students in Yonov community college, Ikpayongo
2. To determine the extent to which school environment and socio economic status of parents affect secondary school academic achievement in Yonov community college
3. To identify the factors affecting the academic achievement of secondary school students in Yonov community college, Ikpayoongo
4. To recommend ways to improve the school environment and academic achievement of secondary school students in Yonov community college, Ikpayoongo

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions guide the objectives of the study:

1. What is the relationship between school environment, socio economic status of parents and academic achievement of students in Yonov community college, Ikpayongo?
2. To what extent do school environment and socio economic status of parents affect secondary school academic achievement in Yonov community college?
3. What are the factors affecting the academic achievement of secondary school students in Yonov community college, Ikpayoongo?
4. What are the ways to improve the school environment and academic achievement of secondary school students in Yonov community college, Ikpayoongo?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

H0: there is no significant relationship between school environment, socio economic status of parents and academic achievement of students in Yonov community college, Ikpayongo

H1: there is significant relationship between school environment, socio economic status of parents and academic achievement of students in Yonov community college, Ikpayongo

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on the effect of school environment and socio economic status of parents on the academic achievement of secondary school students will be of immense help to Yonov community college and other secondary schools in Ikpayongo. The study findings of the study will also establish a correlation between school environment, socio economic status of parents and academic achievement of students in Yonov community college, Ikpayongo. The study will also serve as a source of information to Yonov community college and contribute to the body of the existing literature on the effect of school environment and socio economic status of parents on the academic achievement of secondary school students

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study covers on the effect of school environment and socio economic status of parents on the academic achievement of secondary school students with focus on Yonov community college

1.8 LIMTATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work