ADDRESSING SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ILORIN METROPOLIS SENIOR SECONDARYSCHOOLS: ANTIDOTE TO QUALITATIVE SECONDARYEDUCATION

Abstract

 Some factors have been identified as having the potential to influence the students' academic performance as well as the overall quality of education at all levels. The study identifies and addresses socio-economic factors influencing Senior Secondary School students' academic performance in Ilorin metropolis. A mixed-method and a meta-analysis technique approach was adopted for the study to extract the findings of earlier research on the influence of the identified factors (Parental level of education; income and school environment). A purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty professional counsellors as a focus group for the interview. Qualitative data generated for research question 2 were analysed thematically. The study revealed that low parental education and income are the major socio[1]economic factors that influence students' academic performance negatively in Ilorin metropolis. Also, classroom and school environment were not conducive for learning. It was concluded that the availability of recommended textbooks in the school library, organizing adult literacy classes and clearing the market scene within the school environment can promote students' academic performance. The study recommended that professional counselling services within the school should be made functional by helping students to focus more on their academic performance, particularly students whose parents have a low educational background.