Project – Factors influencing the development of education in public schools

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The development of public schools in Nigeria is influenced by a myriad of factors. According to Adebayo (2013), the quality of teachers is a significant determinant of development. The study found that schools with highly qualified and experienced teachers tend to have higher development. This is because such teachers are better equipped to deliver quality education, thus improving student performance and reducing repetition and dropout rates.

Another factor influencing development is the availability of learning resources. A study by Okebukola and Jegede (1999) found a positive correlation between the availability of learning resources and development. Schools that are well-equipped with textbooks, libraries, laboratories, and other learning resources tend to have higher development. This is because these resources enhance the teaching and learning process, thus improving student performance and reducing repetition and dropout rates.

The school environment also plays a crucial role in determining development. According to a study by Eze (2014), schools with conducive learning environments tend to have higher development. This includes factors such as the physical condition of the school, the level of noise, the size of the classrooms, and the availability of facilities such as toilets and clean drinking water. A conducive learning environment enhances student concentration and motivation, thus improving performance and reducing repetition and dropout rates.

Management practices are another significant determinant of development. A study by Oduro and MacBeath (2003) found that schools with effective management practices tend to have higher development. This includes factors such as the leadership style of the school head, the involvement of teachers and parents in decision-making, and the implementation of policies and procedures. Effective management practices enhance the quality of education, thus improving student performance and reducing repetition and dropout rates.

The socio-economic status of students also influences development. According to a study by Akpan and Undie (2006), schools with students from higher socio-economic backgrounds tend to have higher development. This is because such students have better access to learning resources at home, and their parents are more likely to be involved in their education. This enhances their performance and reduces repetition and dropout rates.

The development of public schools in Nigeria is influenced by a myriad of factors, including the quality of teachers, the availability of learning resources, the school environment, management practices, and the socio-economic status of students. Therefore, efforts to improve development should focus on these areas.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of development in public schools in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue that has been the subject of numerous studies. The development of a school is determined by a variety of factors, including the quality of teaching, the availability of resources, and the management of the school (Adeyemi, 2011). However, there is a significant disparity in the development public schools in Nigeria, with private schools often outperforming their public counterparts (Okebukola, 2012).

One of the main issues affecting the development of schools in Nigeria is the quality of teaching. According to a study by Oduro (2013), the quality of teaching in public schools is often lower than in private schools due to a lack of motivation and inadequate training. This results in a lower level of student achievement and a lower development.

Another significant factor is the availability of resources. Public schools in Nigeria often suffer from a lack of resources, including textbooks, classrooms, and other essential materials (Adeyemi, 2011). This lack of resources hinders the learning process and reduces the development of the schools. On the other hand, private schools often have more resources available, which contributes to their higher development.

The management of the school also plays a crucial role in its development. According to a study by Okebukola (2012), the management of public schools in Nigeria is often inefficient, with a lack of accountability and transparency. This results in a lower development. In contrast, private schools are often better managed, with a higher level of accountability and transparency, which contributes to their higher development.

However, despite the numerous studies on this issue, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the development of public schools in Nigeria. There is a need for further research to identify the specific factors that contribute to the disparity in development of public schools and to develop strategies to improve the development of all schools in Nigeria.

The problem of development in public schools in Nigeria is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of factors. Further research is needed to fully understand this issue and to develop effective strategies to improve the development of schools in Nigeria.

Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the factors influencing development of public schools in Ibadan Oyo state. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To identify and analyze the key factors that influence the development of public schools.
2. To examine the role of management practices in enhancing the development of public schools.
3. To compare the development of public schools & private schools and understand the underlying reasons for any differences.
4. To evaluate the impact of teacher qualifications and teaching methods on the development of public schools.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the key factors that influence the development of public schools?
2. How do management practices enhance the development of public schools?
3. What are the differences in development between public and Private schools and what are the underlying reasons for these differences?
4. How do teacher qualifications and teaching methods impact the development of public schools?

• Research Hypothesis

The research hypothesis is buttressed below

H_o: Management practices does not enhance the development of public schools.

H₁: Management practices enhance the development of public schools.

• Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the factors influencing the development of public schools in Ibadan, Oyo state, is multifaceted. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of education in the region. This includes identifying the strengths and weaknesses of public schools, which can be used to inform policy decisions and improve the overall quality of education. The study can also highlight the disparities between public and private schools, providing insights into the areas where each type of school excels or falls short.

The study can help to identify the specific factors that contribute to the development of schools. These factors could include teacher quality, school infrastructure, student-teacher ratios, and the availability of learning resources. By understanding these factors, stakeholders can develop strategies to enhance the efficiency of schools, leading to improved student outcomes. This is particularly important in a region like Ibadan, where education plays a crucial role in socio-economic development.

The study can provide valuable insights into the role of government policies and regulations in shaping the development of schools. For instance, it can shed light on how government funding, curriculum guidelines, and teacher training programs impact the performance of public schools. This information can be used to advocate for policy changes that promote educational equity and excellence.

The study can serve as a benchmark for other regions in Nigeria and beyond. By documenting the factors influencing the development of schools in Ibadan, the study can provide a model for other regions seeking to improve their educational systems. This can foster cross-regional learning and collaboration, contributing to the advancement of education at a national and even global level.

The study can contribute to the body of academic literature on education in Nigeria. Despite the importance of education for national development, there is a dearth of rigorous research on the development of schools in many parts of the country. By filling this gap, the study can stimulate further research and debate on this critical issue.

Lastly, the study can empower local communities in Ibadan by providing them with the knowledge and tools to advocate for better education. By understanding the factors that influence the development of their schools, parents, teachers, and community leaders can hold authorities accountable and push for necessary improvements. This can lead to a more inclusive and effective education system that benefits all students.

• Scope of the Study

The scope of the study is to examine the factors influencing development of public schools in Ibadan Oyo State. The study is limited to selected Public Schools in Ibadan, Oyo State

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

1. Factors Influencing: This term refers to the various elements or circumstances that have an impact on a particular situation or outcome. In the context of your study, these could be elements such as the quality of teaching, availability of resources, school management, socio-economic background of students, etc., that affect the efficiency of schools in Ibadan, Oyo state.

3. Development: In the context of education, development refers to the optimal use of resources (like teachers, classrooms, textbooks etc.) to achieve educational goals. It’s about how well a school converts inputs (like students, teachers, and textbooks) into outputs (like graduates). A school is considered internally efficient if it minimizes waste of resources and maximizes student achievement.
4. Public School: A public school is a school that is maintained at public expense for the education of the children of a community or district. They are funded by the government, typically through taxes, and are free for students to attend. They are obligated to accept every child in their geographical area, and they must follow the regulations set by the government.
5. Private Schools: Private schools, on the other hand, are not funded by the government but by private sources, such as tuition fees or donations. They have more freedom in their operations and curriculum compared to public schools. They are not obligated to accept every student and often have competitive admission processes. Private schools in Ibadan, Oyo state, like in many other places, may vary widely in terms of their educational philosophy, resources, and teaching methods.

Project – Factors influencing the development of education in public schools