Investigation into the Causes of Truancy among Public Senior Secondary School Students in Azare Metropolis of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Truancy is one of the problems affecting teaching and learning in our secondary schools these days. This study investigated the causes of truancy among public senior secondary school students in Azare metropolis of Bauchi state, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used and the sampled was 357 which were selected from the population of 5,219 by using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used in the collection of data for this study and simple percentage and frequency were used in the analysis. The study found out that the causes of truancy emanating from the home of the students include helping parents in the household work, looking after young children in the house, lack of recognition by the parents etc. The study also found out that some causes of truancy which emanate from the children include low intelligence, weak physical health, social and emotional, maladjustment etc. It was also found out that some causes of truancy emanating from the school include fear of teachers, fear of school activities, difficulties of school subjects etc. Finally, the study recommended that well trained teachers are to be employed, guidance and counseling offices and counselors are to be available in schools, conducive atmosphere in schools should be provided, clubs and societies should be reactivated, sport and recreational activities should be provided and maintained by the schools.