Effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary school in Oju LGA of Benue State

Effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary school in Oju LGA of Benue State

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

  • Background to the Study

The effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary schools in Nigeria has been a subject of interest for many researchers. A study by Ogunniyi (2016) found that the availability of clean water in schools significantly impacts the academic performance of students. The study revealed that students in schools with adequate water supply performed better in biology than those in schools with inadequate water supply. This is because water is essential in carrying out various biology practicals, which are crucial in understanding the subject.

Similarly, a research conducted by Adeyemo and Ojewumi (2018) showed a strong correlation between water supply and academic achievement. The study, which involved 500 biology students from 10 different senior secondary schools in Nigeria, found that schools with a consistent water supply had a higher pass rate in biology than those with inconsistent water supply. The researchers attributed this to the fact that a consistent water supply allows for regular practical sessions, which enhances the students’ understanding of the subject.

On the other hand, a study by Akinola and Ogunbiyi (2017) found that while water supply is important, it is not the only factor that affects academic achievement. The study, which involved 1000 biology students from 20 different senior secondary schools in Nigeria, found that other factors such as teacher quality, teaching methods, and learning materials also significantly impact academic performance. However, the study still emphasized the importance of water supply, stating that it is a basic requirement for effective learning in biology.

Furthermore, a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF, 2019) highlighted the importance of water supply in schools. The report stated that a lack of clean water in schools not only affects academic performance but also leads to health issues among students, which further affects their ability to learn effectively. The report recommended that all schools, especially those in developing countries like Nigeria, should have a consistent supply of clean water to enhance learning.

Despite the clear evidence showing the importance of water supply in academic achievement, many schools in Nigeria still lack a consistent water supply. A survey by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC, 2020) found that about 40% of senior secondary schools in Nigeria do not have a consistent water supply. This has led to calls for the government and other stakeholders to invest more in providing clean water in schools.

The effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary schools in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. While other factors also affect academic performance, a consistent water supply is a basic requirement for effective learning in biology. Therefore, there is a need for more investment in water supply in schools to enhance academic achievement.

  • Statement of the Problem

The problem of water supply affecting the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary schools in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue that requires thorough examination. The availability of clean water is a fundamental necessity for any learning environment, and its scarcity can have a profound impact on students’ academic performance, particularly in biology, a subject that often requires practical experiments involving water (Adeyemo, 2010).

The first aspect of the problem lies in the direct impact of water scarcity on students’ health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2019), lack of access to clean water can lead to various health issues, such as dehydration and waterborne diseases, which can significantly affect students’ concentration, attendance, and overall academic performance. In Nigeria, where water scarcity is a prevalent issue, this problem is particularly acute (UNICEF, 2017).

Secondly, the lack of water supply in schools can hinder the practical aspect of biology education. Biology, as a science subject, often requires students to conduct experiments, many of which involve the use of water. Without a reliable water supply, these practical lessons may be compromised, thereby affecting students’ understanding and appreciation of the subject (Ogunniyi, 2006).

Furthermore, the issue of water scarcity can also indirectly affect students’ academic performance through its impact on sanitation. Without adequate water supply, maintaining cleanliness in schools becomes a challenge, which can lead to an unsanitary learning environment. This, in turn, can affect students’ comfort and concentration, thereby negatively impacting their academic performance (Jasper, Le, & Bartram, 2012).

Moreover, the problem is exacerbated by the fact that many schools in Nigeria lack the necessary infrastructure to store and distribute water effectively. This lack of infrastructure not only affects the availability of water for practical lessons but also for basic needs such as drinking and sanitation (UNICEF, 2017).

The effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary schools in Nigeria is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. It is a complex issue that involves not only the direct impact of water scarcity on students’ health and well-being but also its indirect effects on the quality of education and the learning environment. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in improving water infrastructure in schools and to implement strategies to mitigate the impact of water scarcity on students’ academic performance (Adeyemo, 2010).

  • Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary school. The specific objectives of the study are:

  1. To investigate the correlation between the availability of water supply and the academic performance of biology students.
  2. To assess the impact of water scarcity on the practical aspects of biology education in senior secondary schools.
  3. To evaluate the role of adequate water supply in enhancing the learning environment for biology students.
  4. To identify the potential solutions to water scarcity in senior secondary schools.
  • Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

  1. What is the correlation between the availability of water supply and the academic performance of biology students in senior secondary schools?
  2. How does water scarcity impact the practical aspects of biology education in senior secondary schools?
  3. How does adequate water supply enhance the learning environment for biology students in senior secondary schools?
  4. What are the potential solutions to water scarcity in senior secondary schools?
  • Research Hypothesis

The research hypothesis is buttressed below:

Ho: Availability of water supply has no significant effect on the academic performance of biology students in senior secondary schools.

H1: Availability of water supply has significant effect on the academic performance of biology students in senior secondary schools.

  • Significance of the Study

The significance of the study on the effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary school is multifaceted and profound. Firstly, it is well established that water is a fundamental necessity for life, and its availability directly impacts the health and well-being of students. A lack of clean water can lead to health issues such as dehydration and waterborne diseases, which can significantly affect a student’s ability to concentrate, learn, and perform academically.

Secondly, the study is significant as it highlights the importance of basic amenities in educational institutions. A consistent water supply in schools not only ensures the health of students but also contributes to a conducive learning environment. For instance, water is essential for sanitation purposes, and a lack of it can lead to unhygienic conditions, further affecting the students’ health and their ability to focus on their studies.

Thirdly, the study underscores the role of water in practical biology classes. In biology, water is often used in experiments and practicals, and a lack of it can hinder the learning process. This study, therefore, brings to light the need for adequate resources in schools to facilitate effective learning.

Fourthly, the study is significant as it can influence policy-making in the education sector. The findings can be used by education stakeholders and policymakers to prioritize the provision of basic amenities in schools. This can lead to improved learning conditions and, consequently, better academic performance.

Fifthly, the study can serve as a basis for further research. It opens up avenues for more in-depth studies on the impact of other basic amenities on academic performance. Such research can contribute to a holistic understanding of the factors affecting academic achievement.

Lastly, the study is significant as it brings attention to the broader issue of water scarcity and its impact on education. It serves as a reminder that access to clean water is still a challenge in many parts of the world, and this affects not just health, but also education. Therefore, efforts should be made to address this issue to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.

 Scope of the Study

The study examines the effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary school in Oju LGA of Benue State. The study is restricted to selected secondary schools in Oju LGA of Benue State.

  • Operational Definition of Terms

Effect: In the context of this study, “effect” refers to the impact or influence that one variable (in this case, water supply) has on another variable (in this case, academic achievement). It’s the change that is caused by an action or other cause.

 Water Supply: This term generally refers to the provision of water by public utilities, commercial organizations, community endeavors, or by individuals, usually via a system of pumps and pipes. In the context of this study, it could refer to the availability and quality of water in the school environment.

 Academic Achievement: This term refers to the level of proficiency or mastery a student has achieved in their academic work. It’s often measured through grades, test scores, and completion of educational milestones.

 Biology: This is a natural science that studies life and living organisms, including their physical structure, chemical processes, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, development, and evolution.

 Student: A student is an individual who is engaged in learning, typically within an educational institution such as a school or university. In this context, it refers to individuals studying biology in a senior secondary school.

 School: A school is an institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. In this context, it refers to a senior secondary school where biology is taught.

 

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Effect of water supply on the academic achievement of biology students in senior secondary school in Oju LGA of Benue State