Project – Impact of Insecurity on Pupils’ Attendance in Primary School

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Education is universally recognized as one of the most important instruments for national development, social transformation, and economic growth. It serves as a means through which knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values are transmitted from one generation to another. Primary education is particularly important because it forms the foundation upon which the entire educational system is built. According to the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2014), primary education is the type of education given to children between the ages of 6 and 11 years and is aimed at developing permanent literacy, numeracy, and effective communication skills.

Regular school attendance is essential for effective teaching and learning at the primary school level. Pupils who attend school consistently are more likely to perform well academically, participate actively in classroom activities, and develop socially and emotionally. School attendance enables pupils to benefit fully from the educational process and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for future development. Adeyemi (2020) noted that regular attendance significantly improves pupils’ academic achievement and educational continuity.

However, the growing level of insecurity in Nigeria has become a major challenge affecting the educational sector, particularly at the primary school level. Insecurity refers to a condition of fear, uncertainty, danger, and exposure to threats that affect human lives and properties. According to Adebayo (2021), insecurity is a situation in which individuals and communities feel unsafe due to violence, crime, conflict, and social instability. In recent years, Nigeria has experienced various forms of insecurity including terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, communal clashes, cultism, and attacks on schools.

Jos, the capital city of Plateau State, has experienced several cases of insecurity over the years, especially communal clashes, religious conflicts, armed robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks within communities. These security challenges have negatively affected social and economic activities, including educational development within the state. Yusuf and Ibrahim (2020) observed that insecurity in different parts of Nigeria has created fear among parents, teachers, and pupils, thereby disrupting educational activities and reducing school attendance.

Primary school pupils are among the most vulnerable groups affected by insecurity because of their young age and inability to protect themselves from danger. Cases of violent attacks, communal crises, and insecurity within some communities in Jos have generated fear and anxiety among pupils and parents. Many parents are increasingly worried about the safety of their children while travelling to school or staying within school environments. According to Okeke (2022), insecurity contributes significantly to declining school attendance and increased absenteeism among primary school pupils in many parts of Nigeria.

Insecurity affects pupils’ attendance in several ways. Fear of attacks, violence, or kidnapping may discourage pupils from attending school regularly. Parents may decide to keep their children at home during periods of insecurity to protect them from danger. In some cases, schools may be temporarily closed because of violent conflicts or security threats within communities. Nwankwo and Salisu (2021) stated that insecurity contributes to absenteeism, irregular attendance, lateness to school, and poor participation in classroom activities among pupils.

Furthermore, insecurity affects the emotional and psychological wellbeing of pupils. Children exposed to violence, communal clashes, or security threats may experience fear, trauma, anxiety, and emotional instability, which can negatively affect their willingness to attend school. Ojo (2020) explained that insecurity creates emotional stress among school children and reduces their concentration and participation in educational activities.

The effect of insecurity on school attendance has serious implications for educational development and national progress. Pupils who fail to attend school regularly may experience poor academic performance, low literacy levels, and reduced educational opportunities. Continuous absenteeism may eventually lead to school dropout, child labour, juvenile delinquency, and other social problems. Therefore, ensuring regular school attendance is essential for achieving educational objectives and promoting sustainable development in society.

Despite efforts by the government and security agencies to improve safety in schools through community policing, deployment of security personnel, and school protection programs, insecurity continues to affect educational activities in Jos, Plateau State. Many parents, teachers, and pupils still feel unsafe within and around school environments.

Although several studies have examined insecurity and educational development in Nigeria, limited attention has been given to the impact of insecurity on pupils’ attendance in primary schools specifically in Jos, Plateau State. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the impact of insecurity on pupils’ attendance in primary schools in Jos, Plateau State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

School attendance is one of the most important requirements for effective teaching and learning at the primary school level. Regular attendance enables pupils to participate actively in classroom activities, understand lessons properly, and achieve academic success. However, insecurity has become a serious challenge affecting pupils’ attendance in schools across Nigeria.

Jos, Plateau State has experienced different forms of insecurity over the years, including communal clashes, religious violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, and attacks within communities. These security challenges have created fear and uncertainty among parents, teachers, and pupils. Many parents are increasingly worried about the safety of their children while travelling to school or staying within school environments.

In some communities in Jos, insecurity has disrupted educational activities and affected regular school attendance among pupils. Some parents prefer to keep their children at home during periods of violence or insecurity to protect them from danger. In other situations, schools may be temporarily closed due to violent conflicts or threats within the community. As a result, many pupils miss classes regularly, arrive late to school, or withdraw completely from school.

Furthermore, insecurity may create emotional trauma, fear, and anxiety among pupils, thereby reducing their interest in attending school. Pupils who are exposed to violent incidents may find it difficult to concentrate during lessons or participate actively in classroom activities. Continuous absenteeism resulting from insecurity may lead to poor academic performance, increased dropout rates, and low educational attainment among pupils.

Despite government efforts to improve security in schools and encourage regular attendance, insecurity continues to pose serious challenges to educational development in Jos, Plateau State. Although several studies have examined insecurity and education in Nigeria generally, limited empirical studies have focused specifically on the impact of insecurity on pupils’ attendance in primary schools in Jos, Plateau State.

It is against this background that this study seeks to investigate the impact of insecurity on pupils’ attendance in primary schools in Jos, Plateau State.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of insecurity on pupils’ attendance in primary schools in Jos, Plateau State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the causes of insecurity affecting primary schools in Jos, Plateau State.
2. Examine the extent to which insecurity affects pupils’ attendance in primary schools.
3. Determine the effects of insecurity on pupils’ participation in academic activities.
4. Identify the challenges faced by pupils and teachers due to insecurity.
5. Suggest possible solutions to reduce the impact of insecurity on pupils’ attendance in schools.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What are the causes of insecurity affecting primary schools in Jos, Plateau State?
2. To what extent does insecurity affect pupils’ attendance in primary schools?
3. What are the effects of insecurity on pupils’ participation in academic activities?
4. What challenges do pupils and teachers face due to insecurity?
5. What measures can be adopted to reduce the impact of insecurity on pupils’ attendance?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between insecurity and pupils’ attendance in primary schools in Jos, Plateau State.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between insecurity and pupils’ attendance in primary schools in Jos, Plateau State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to teachers, parents, school administrators, policymakers, government agencies, and researchers. The findings of the study will help educational authorities understand the extent to which insecurity affects pupils’ attendance in primary schools.

The study will also assist the government and security agencies in developing effective strategies to improve security around schools and encourage regular attendance of pupils. Parents and teachers will benefit from the study through increased awareness of the effects of insecurity on children’s education.

Furthermore, the study will contribute to existing literature on insecurity and educational development in Nigeria and serve as reference material for future researchers.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the impact of insecurity on pupils’ attendance in primary schools in Jos, Plateau State. The study specifically examines the causes of insecurity, its effects on school attendance, and the challenges faced by pupils and teachers due to insecurity.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

The researcher may encounter certain limitations during the course of the study, including inadequate funding, limited time, and difficulty in obtaining accurate responses from respondents due to the sensitive nature of insecurity issues. However, efforts will be made to ensure the reliability and validity of the study.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Insecurity: A condition of fear, danger, uncertainty, and lack of safety caused by violence, crime, or conflict.

Attendance: The act of being regularly present in school or classroom activities.

Pupils: Children enrolled in primary schools for educational purposes.

Primary School: The first stage of formal education given to children between the ages of 6 and 11 years.

Academic Activities: Educational activities such as teaching, learning, assignments, classroom participation, and examinations.

Project – Impact of Insecurity on Pupils’ Attendance in Primary School