Project – Influence of Student Behaviour on Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Ankpa LGA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Education is a critical tool for individual and national development, equipping learners with knowledge, skills, and values necessary for personal growth and societal progress. Secondary education, in particular, provides students with the foundation for higher education, vocational skills, and responsible citizenship. In Nigeria, public secondary schools are tasked with providing quality education to all students; however, academic performance in many of these schools remains below expectations.

One of the key determinants of academic performance is student behaviour. Student behaviour encompasses the observable actions of learners within the school environment, including punctuality, attentiveness, classroom participation, adherence to school rules, respect for authority, and social interactions with peers. Positive behaviours—such as active participation in class, regular attendance, obedience to school regulations, and commitment to studies—often lead to higher academic achievement. Conversely, negative behaviours like absenteeism, lateness, indiscipline, aggression, truancy, and lack of interest in learning may impede academic performance.

In Ankpa Local Government Area (LGA), Kogi State, public secondary schools have reported cases of poor academic outcomes in both internal and external examinations. Reports from teachers, parents, and school administrators indicate that behavioural issues among students may significantly contribute to these challenges. Factors influencing student behaviour include family background, peer pressure, socio-economic status, exposure to media, and the effectiveness of school guidance and counselling programs.

Given the importance of academic performance for students’ future opportunities and national development, there is a need to investigate the influence of student behaviour on academic outcomes in public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA. This study aims to provide empirical evidence that will guide teachers, parents, and policymakers in designing interventions to improve students’ behaviour and, consequently, their academic performance.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the provision of qualified teachers and approved curricula, students in public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA continue to exhibit fluctuating or poor academic performance. This has raised concerns among parents, educators, and education policymakers. Observations suggest that negative student behaviours—such as absenteeism, truancy, lateness, classroom disruptions, and lack of concentration—may contribute to low achievement levels.

Although studies have examined factors affecting academic performance in Nigeria, limited research has specifically addressed the relationship between student behaviour and academic performance in Ankpa LGA. This gap makes it difficult for school administrators and policymakers to implement targeted interventions to improve student outcomes. Hence, this study seeks to examine the extent to which student behaviour influences academic performance in public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of student behaviour on academic performance in public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Identify common student behaviours exhibited in public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA.

2. Determine the relationship between positive student behaviour and academic performance.

3. Examine the effect of negative student behaviour on students’ academic outcomes.

4. Assess the extent to which student behaviour overall influences academic performance in public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the common student behaviours exhibited in public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA?

2. What is the relationship between positive student behaviour and academic performance?

3. How does negative student behaviour affect students’ academic performance?

4. To what extent does student behaviour influence academic performance in public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between student behaviour and academic performance in public secondary schools in Ankpa Local Government Area.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be useful to:

• Teachers: By helping them understand how student behaviour affects learning outcomes and adopt effective classroom management strategies.

• School Administrators: By guiding the development of disciplinary policies and behavioural intervention programs.

• Parents: By highlighting the importance of supervising and guiding their children’s behaviour to enhance academic success.

• Policymakers and Education Planners: By providing evidence for the formulation of policies aimed at improving students’ academic performance through behavioural management.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to public secondary schools in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State. It focuses on student behaviour as the independent variable and academic performance as the dependent variable. The study will involve students, teachers, and school administrators from selected schools within the LGA.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Student Behaviour: Observable actions and conduct of students within the school environment, including discipline, attendance, attentiveness, and participation in learning activities.

• Academic Performance: The level of students’ achievement in school subjects, measured through test scores and examination results.

• Public Secondary Schools: Government-owned secondary schools established to provide education at the post-primary level.

• Influence: The effect that student behaviour has on academic performance.

Project – Influence of Student Behaviour on Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Ankpa LGA