Assessing the Factors Affecting the Standards of Secondary School Education in Ehor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, the drive towards attaining quality education continues because the development of nations has been linked to the education of its citizens, especially the youth. However, the poor standard of secondary school education has raised so much concern in Nigeria because they do not meet the societal demand regarding quality. Challenges encountered include a stirred population explosion in the classroom at all levels, deteriorating physical facilities; continued inadequacy in funding; recurrent strike actions by all sectors as well and student unrest that leads to a truncated academic calendar, particularly in higher institutions. Hence, the research problem centers on the need to systematically investigate and assess the factors affecting the standards of secondary school education in Nigeria. Thus, the study conducted a comprehensive assessment of multifaceted aspects of enhancing the standards of secondary school education in Ehor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design while purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select the secondary schools, teachers, and SS 3 students in Egor Local Government area of Edo State. The main research instrument is a questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed with the use of Statistical packages of the social sciences. Results among other findings confirmed that educational standards are falling in the study area. It further shows significant differences between the standards of education now and in the last ten years. The paper recommends the availability of school facilities and other resources necessary for effective teaching and learning processes that will enhance the standard of secondary education in Nigeria.