Impact of Economic Challenges on the Enrollment and Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in North Central Zone, Nigeria

Abstract

The Education for All (EFA) initiative, which aimed to provide educational opportunities and foster inclusive education for school-age children, has fallen short of its objectives in numerous countries, Nigeria is not exceptional. Despite the efforts made by international organizations, it remains a stark reality that many children of school age in the North Central zone continue to be found wandering the streets during school hours. There is a well-documented problem of low enrollment, high dropout rates, and subpar academic performance in secondary schools across the North Central Zone of Nigeria. It is on this basis, that, this study examined the impact of economic challenges on the enrollment, and academic performance of secondary school students in North Central Zone, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The population of the study encompassed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states. Four secondary schools, that is; two secondary schools in Nassarawa and two in Niger state was adopted for the study. Proportionate sampling technique were used to sample 424 students and teachers in the study area. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions. The finding show that, students and teachers is in a positive agreement that economic challenges has an impact on the enrollment rates, dropout rates and  academic performance of secondary school students in the North Central Zone, Nigeria. The study recommended that the federal government of Nigeria should implement financial support programs, such as scholarships and subsidies, to alleviate the economic burden on parents and students and that school administrators should develop strategies to enhance access to essential educational resources, including textbooks, technology, and academic support services, to mitigate the negative impact of economic challenges on academic performance among others.