Children Of School-going Age Research Articles

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in children of school going age visiting outpatient department of A Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among children of school-going age. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatric Medicine, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: July 2023 to December 2023. Methods: A total of 130 children of both genders, aged between 5-15 years, visiting outpatient department of pediatric medicine were analyzed. Demographic and clinical information were noted. Laboratory investigations like urinalysis and serum creatinine were performed. CKD was diagnosed on the basis of “Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI)” guidelines. Results: In a total of 130 children, 67 (51.5%) children were male. Overall, the mean age was 8.43±2.45 years. Hypertension was diagnosed in 10 (7.7%) children. Anemia was present in 103 (79.2%) patients. The mean hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were 9.41±1.98 g/dl, 0.48±0.37 mg/dl, and 34.20±33.18 mg/dl, respectively. CKD was diagnosed in 10 (7.7%) children. Among these 10 children diagnosed with CKD, 7 were having CKD stage-1 whereas CKD stage-2 was noted in 3 children. Presence of hypertension (p=0.006), and albuminuria (p<0.001) were associated with CKD. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD in school going age children was 7.7%. Presence of hypertension, and albuminuria were linked with CKD.

Mother’s age at marriage and gender-differential in child schooling: Evidence from Pakistan

In this study, we provide empirical evidence in support of intergenerational effects of women’s marriage age on girl-specific child education outcomes using a nationally representative household survey of 24,809 households from Pakistan. Our key findings are four-fold: First, we find that mother’s age at marriage has no girl-specific impact on the education of children of school going age in terms of school enrolment, type of school (public/private) or education expenditure. However, there is a positive effect of delaying mother’s marriage on girls in terms of relative grade progression and primary school attainment, implying that late-marrying mothers are more likely to transfer their human capital advantages/disadvantages to the daughters. Second, the impact does not depend on whether the child is firstborn or later-order, youngest child or with no siblings. Sex of the previous child does not affect the relationship either. Third, the beneficial impact of mother’s marriage age on girls’ education is visible only in the cohort of women who got married in 2000 or later. Fourth, father’s marriage age is significantly associated with an increase in daughters’ school enrolment and primary completion. The impact of smaller spousal age difference is also positive. These findings are robust to the use of empirical strategies and specifications that address potential endogeneity, collider bias, recall bias, sample selection and confounding factors. These findings suggest that delay in women’s marriage is helping to narrow down gender disparities in education. The findings underscore the need to promote social and behavioural changes that encourage later marriages.

Intestinal Parasitic Infection Responsible for Undernourishment and Stunted Growth in Children of School Going Age

Intestinal Parasitic Infection Responsible for Undernourishment and Stunted Growth in Children of School Going Age

Examining the prevalence of obesity in school children through an on-site obesity outpatient clinics survey based on student's lifestyles.

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and risk factors in pediatric patients attending outpatient clinics at a public sector hospital in the central province of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, between January 2022 and October 2022. The target population was aged 6-15 years. We conducted on-site obesity assessments utilizing questionnaire-based interviews with patients attending outpatient clinics. Data collection was carried out with the help of parents, where required. Using BMI growth charts for Saudi children and teenagers, the weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) of subjects were computed. A total of 576 responses with a response rate of 64% were received and included in the study. In the current study, the majority (41.1%) of the patients were aged between 11 and 12 years old, followed by 37.0% of the students aged between 13 and 15 years old, and 21.9% of students aged between 8 and 10 years old. In the current study, 54.2% of the patients had normal weight, 15.6% of patients were underweight, 16.7% of patients were overweight, and 13.5% were obese. In this study, the prevalence of overall obesity was 2.3 times more prevalent in children aged 11 to 12 years (OR=2.30; p=0.03), followed by ~2 times higher levels in children aged 13 to 15 years (OR=2.30; p=0.03). Moreover, 2.11 times higher prevalence of obesity (OR=2.11; p=0.77) in those who regularly took food (especially lunch) from the school cafeteria. A significant ~2.5 high obesity level was recorded for students who consumed fizzy/soft drinks four or more times per week (OR=2.38; p=0.007). Saudi Arabia still has a high rate of overweight and obesity among children of school-going age, which is a significant public health issue. To properly address and control this issue, policies at the national, local, and individual levels must be implemented. Notably, there was also a high prevalence of being underweight, and this issue needs to be brought up as well.

ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BULLYING AND DROPOUT RATES AMONG PUPILS IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SABATIA SUBCOUNTY, KENYA

Studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between bullying and school dropout rates. a number of children of school going age are not attending school in Public Primary Schools in Sabatia Sub-County. In all public primary schools, the annual average rate of dropout has been 4.1% and this is an implication that about 4.1 % of students are not able to finish their schooling. Surveys give varying causes of the dropout menace in various parts of Kenya. By the time this study was being born, little effort had been done to establishing the extent to which bullying has contributed to school dropout rates in Vihiga County, The study employed the group dynamic theory and mixed methods approach to determine this relationship. it targeted 31,703 pupils in classes 5 to 8 and a 100 public primary schools in Sabatia Sub-County together with their 87 dropouts of the previous year. To select respondents of the study, multistage sampling technique was used in three stages; simple random sampling of 30 public primary schools in the research area, saturated sampling of all the 3,201 pupils in classes 5 to 8 in the selected schools and convenience sampling of 6 drop-outs. Three instruments were used for data collection; a questionnaire a document guide and a Focus Group Discussion guide validity and reliability was ensured through piloting. Qualitative data was analyzed through frequency counts and quantitative data done using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. the Findings revealed that there was a strong positive, moderate positive and weak positive relationship between the observed drop-out rates and physical, verbal and emotional bullying cases respectively. It was concluded that the both physical and verbal bullying significantly contribute to high number of school dropout cases. The study recommended that stakeholders in the education sector should formulate policy that can identify and crack down on all forms of physical and verbal bullying in public primary schools in Sabatia Cub-County.

Motor function, muscle strength and health-related quality of life of children perinatally infected with HIV.

Gross motor delays are common in infants and preschool children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These delays persist in children of school-going age and may affect participation in classroom and playground activities; however, the extent of the problem is poorly understood in this age group. Our study aimed to determine the motor function, muscle strength and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children aged 5-10 years who were perinatally infected with HIV. In our cross-sectional study, participants were recruited using convenience sampling from a Gauteng HIV clinic. Participants were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC-2), standing broad jump test (SBJT), Paediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM (PedsQL) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Thirty children participated in our study. The MABC-2 showed 60% of the children assessed were either at risk of developmental delay or were already delayed, with the domain of manual dexterity being most affected. The SBJT showed female participants had weaker muscle strength than males. The mean total score on the PedsQL was 81%, with the subscales ranging from very high quality of life scores to moderately high quality of life scores, with emotional functioning having one of the lower overall scores. Children who have been perinatally infected with HIV are at significant risk of delayed motor function. Muscle strength is also an area of concern, as is emotional HRQoL. Further research and implementation of holistic rehabilitation programmes are needed. Children with HIV need to be prioritised for developmental screening throughout childhood. Health promotion and early intervention need to be at the forefront of our fight against this pandemic.

Lemierre's Syndrome: A Lethal Complication of Acute Tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is a condition involving the infection of the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils. This pathology of the tonsils is frequently reported as a childhood illness in children of school-going age. The leading causative agent which is associated with tonsillitis is Group A and B Haemolytic Streptococcus and Staphylococcus and Haemophilus influenzae. With rapid and correct treatment and management with antibiotics and analgesics, it can be resolved, and the patient can be free of the symptoms such as sore throat, dysphagia, pain over the throat, and fever. Though in the minority of cases the diseases can progress and can result in multiple complications which sometimes can be lethal and extremely serious. These can be rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis, or tonsillar cyst. One of the sporadic but equally important and grave syndromes is Lemierre's syndrome, which unfortunately has been labelled as a forgotten disease due to the development of antibiotic therapy and management of the disease. The mortality of the disease was extremely high in the pre-antibiotic era. This disease presents the following findings, such as thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, which usually occurs after the presentation of pharyngeal infection. Which in later stages also gives rise to thrombi that advance and extend throughout the body, in the form of septic emboli. The important microorganism which is isolated and associated with the Lemierre's is Fusobacterium necrophorum, a strict gram-negative anaerobe. This article emphasizes and discusses the pathophysiology, and microbiology of Lemierre's syndrome. It also focuses on the clinical symptoms that include the appropriate and timely diagnosis and treatment of this deadly and fatal syndrome, together with the complications that arise with Lemierre's syndrome as the presenting problem.

Using Social Marketing Mix Interventions to Reduce Tramadol Abuse among Children of School Going Age in Tamale Metropolis

This research examines how development educators/advocates can apply Social Marketing interventions in reducing social menace, in this context tramadol abuse. Tramadol abuse is on the increase among the youth in Africa. Despite the existence of volumes of literature on social marketing intervention strategies to change the behavior of people, there is paucity of literature in the context of tramadol abuse and drug abuse in general in an African situation. The researchers who promote the use of social marketing to ensure positive social change are motivated by this need to conduct the research. This research uses the ‘6Ps’ framework as tools of Social Marketing Mix to reduce tramadol abuse among children of school-going age. It uses both the qualitative and the quantitative research approaches in a case study research design. Both maximum variation sampling and Snowball sampling strategies were utilized . In this regard, the Social Marketing Mix intervention strategy analysis as contained in this research, suggests targeting of upstream decision and policy-makers to restrict the sale of tramadol to hospitals and pharmacies and provision of accessible outlets or adequate response channels that will allow motivated persons to access the product. Keywords: Social marketing mix, Tramadol abuse, Tamale Metropolis DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/86-03 Publication date: September 30 th 2022

Vitamin D Deficiency among Well Nourished and Malnourished Children of School Going age at District Tharparkar

Objective: The most frequent type of nutrient shortage is Vitamin D deficiency, which affects about of half of the world’s population. Vitamin D deficiency responsible for numerous acute and chronic conditions not only in malnourished children but also in well-nourished children. Our objective was to determine vitamin D levels among malnourished and well-nourished school going children at district Tharparkar Pakistan. Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: This study was conducted in Mithi, District Tharparkar among school age-children (between 10-18 years). Vitamin D was estimated by Cobas e411 analyzer Roche (made in Japan). Results were descripted as mean ± SD. Students t test was used to find out the significant of results. A 0.05 or lower p -value was judged as meaningful. Results: 300 children were divided in malnourished and well-nourished groups. Vitamin D deficiency affected 74% of school age children. Boys accounted for 30% of the group, while girls made up 44%. We noticed that 4 girls had severe vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in school going children. Even well-nourished girls are more vitamin D deficit than boys. Children are seen as important members of society and are regarded as the country's future architects. As a result, investing in children's health is the most important factor in improving Pakistan's economic, political, and social conditions, because malnutrition has a significant impact on mental and physical inadequacy. Keywords: Vitamin D, Malnutirion, school going children

Salience and Accountability: School Infrastructure and Last-Minute Electoral Punishment*

Abstract Can seemingly unimportant factors influence voting decisions by making certain issues salient? We study this in the context of Argentina’s 2015 presidential elections by examining how the infrastructure quality of the school where citizens voted influenced their choice. Exploiting the quasi-random assignment of voters to ballot stations in public schools in Buenos Aires, we show that individuals assigned to poorer infrastructure schools were less likely to vote for Mauricio Macri, the incumbent mayor running for president. The effect is larger in lower-income areas, where private education is more unusual, and in places where more households have children of school-going age.

Childhood disability in rural Niger: a population-based assessment using the Key Informant Method

BackgroundData on childhood disability is essential for planning health, education and other services. However, information is lacking in many low- and middle-income countries, including Niger. This study uses the Key Informant Method, an innovative and cost-effective strategy for generating population-based estimates of childhood disability, to estimate the prevalence and causes of moderate/severe impairments and disabling health conditions in children of school-going age (7–16 years) in the Kollo department of western Niger.MethodsCommunity-based key informants were trained to identify children who were suspected of having the impairment types/health conditions included in this study. Children identified by key informants were visited by paediatricians and underwent an assessment for moderate/severe vision, hearing, physical and intellectual impairments, as well as epilepsy, albinism and emotional distress.ResultsTwo thousand, five hundred sixty-one children were identified by key informants, of whom 2191 were visited by paediatricians (response rate = 85.6%). Overall, 597 children were determined to have an impairment/health condition, giving a prevalence of disability of 11.4 per 1000 children (10.6- 12.2). Intellectual impairment was most common (6.5 per 1000), followed by physical (4.9 per 1000) and hearing impairments (4.7 per 1000). Many children had never sought medical attention for their impairment/health condition, with health seeking ranging from 40.0% of children with visual impairment to 67.2% for children with physical impairments.ConclusionThe Key Informant Method enabled the identification of a large number of children with disabling impairments and health conditions in rural Niger, many of whom have unmet needs for health and other services.

Availability and Uptake of Community-Based Rehabilitation and Inclusive Development Services for Children with Spina Bifida in Southwestern Uganda

Background: It is over a decade since services for children with Spina bifida were established in Uganda, which has increased the survival rate after Spina bifida repair through follow-ups. Such children have significant disability and other complications, which damage the central nervous system. The consequences of this are more profound in low-income countries if post-operative and long-term care interventions are not well adhered. This study explored the availability and uptake of community-based rehabilitation and inclusive development services to children with Spina bifida in Southwestern Uganda. Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted. The study considered a sample size of 110; 50 children (aged between 0 and 10 years) with Spina bifida were assessed on aspects QoL, while 50 parents and 10 professionals participated in the study. Interviews and children assessments were done at OURS and during home visits between January and April 2019. Results: Special services to children with Spina bifida were offered at one facility; OURS in the whole of Southwestern Uganda. Neuro surgeons and doctors from CURE hospital work with a team from MRRH and OURS. The findings indicated that improved health outcomes resulted from long-term rehabilitation services. These were friendly and free at OURS. Awareness about Spina bifida has been created in communities through Spina bifida associations. 82.3% of the assessed children of school-going age were not in school, some of them were had developed more health complications. Children with Spina bifida traveled long distances to access specialized services. Their peers socially excluded children. Specialized services were not offered at lower health units. Conclusion: This study concluded that such services could be extended to lower levels of healthcare delivery (at least Health Centre IV) in order to shorten the distance. The academic institutions could train more neuro surgeons and doctors and more funding should be availed through MoH.

Health profile and nutritional status of rural primary school children in Western Maharashtra. Is school absenteeism associated with undernutrition?

Background: Healthy adulthood thrives on the foundation of a healthy childhood. Earlier studies show different morbidity patterns and prevalence of under-nutrition in children studying in Government primary schools. The present study was undertaken to explore the morbidity pattern and nutritional status of children studying in a government primary school in the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre of a medical college in Pune, Western Maharashtra. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done in a Government Primary School during January–February 2019. A total of 134 school children studying in classes 1st to 7th underwent anthropometric measurements, medical examination, dental examination, and haemoglobin estimation to bring out the common morbidities present in children of school-going age. School records of the past 6 months of the academic year 2018–19 were used to know the prevalence of absenteeism among the subjects studied, and an attempt was made to find any association between absenteeism and under-nutrition among school children. Results: Out of 134 children, 26 (19.4%) were stunted, 51 (38.64%) were underweight, and 2 (1.49%) were found to be obese. Dental caries was found in 73 (54.48%) pupils, and it was the commonest morbidity found. Eighty-six (64.18%) of the examined school children were anemic. Thirty-five (26.12%) had ear problems, skin problems were found in 35 (26.12%), 6 (4.48%) had refractive errors, and 2 (1.49%) were having Tachycardia. An association was found between abesentism and underweight (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The present study found that under-nutrition is present among children studying in a rural Government school despite the mid-day meal programme being implemented in the school. Targeted interventions may be planned for undernourished children to improve their nutritional status, and more studies are required to assess their health needs and problems.

Assessing the Challenges and Coping Strategies Adopted by Street Children of School Going Age in the Tamale Metropolis: Policy Implications

Children form the foundation of every society. They are expected to be trained, supported and guided to become responsible to the society. In Ghana, the 1992 constitution (Article 28, clause 1), the children’s Act (Act 560) and the Child Rights Regulations 2002 (LI.1705) are among the measures put in place to promote the wellbeing of children in the country. However, there are significant numbers of children who are living in many city streets in Ghana including the Tamale metropolis. These street children are living the life that has the tendency to affect their physical and mental development. This paper examines the challenges street children in Tamale face and their coping strategies. It also explores various policy options to ensure their continuous education. The study used a case study design to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings of the research show that street children encounter challenges related to accommodation, education, sexual abuse, health, security, and malnourishment and in some cases death. The paper also found that street children adopt variety of strategies including relying on self-medication, hawking and the formation of networks to cope with the various challenges they encounter on the street. However, the education of these children is a big challenge. It is in the light of this, that the paper calls on relevant key stakeholders to put in serious efforts towards tackling the education of street children and child streetism in the Tamale metropolis to ensure access and quality of education of these children.

Success Rate of Type I Tympanoplasty Using Temporalis Fascia by Underlay Technique in Safe Mucosal COM in KMCH, Katihar.

Otitis media is inflammation of middle ear, commonly seen in children of school going age. Chronic otitis media is permanent abnormality of tympanic membrane most commonly as a result previous acute otitis media. Early diagnosis and management of chronic otitis media is important because it may affects hearing of child which in turn may affect cognitive development of children. This is a retrospective observational study done on 60 patients of age between 18 and 60 yrs during the period from May 2019 to November 2019 in ENT department of Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar and assessed success rate of Type I Tympanoplasty using Temporalis Fascia by Underlay technique in safe mucosal COM. Success rate was 90% when preoperative dry ear was for more than one month. Graft taken up properly in 50 patients out of 60 cases i.e. 83.33%.

Legislating Right, Contemplating Duty: Parliamentary Debate on RTE Second Amendment Bill

The study is an attempt to understand the prevailing discourse in India on education as a right by closely reading the parliamentary debates on The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017. Prior to the passing of the above-mentioned amendment bill The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 had debarred schools from detaining or expelling a child till the completion of her elementary education. This provision was amended by the Indian Parliament by passing the bill. When the bill was moved in the Indian parliament it generated debate on the various aspects of education and schooling. The study critically analyses the texts of two proceedings of the parliamentary debate: one from the lower house (Lok Sabha) and the other from the upper house (Rajya Sabha). The study concludes that the deliberation on the bill turned the right-based approach on elementary education almost upside down. The 86th amendment in the Indian constitution and subsequent enactment of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 had recognized children in the age group of 6–14 years as ‘right holders’ while the Indian state had been identified as the ‘duty bearer’. The discourse emerged in the Indian Parliament during the debate on the Amendment Bill, 2017 constituted Indian children of school-going age, their parents and teachers as groups accountable to the state for achieving the goals for universal elementary education, while the Indian state was constituted as an entity with the right to demand compliances from children, parents and teachers.

Drivers of Millet Consumption Among School Aged Children in Central Tanzania

Background: Iron and zinc deficiency are common public health problems in low-income countries largely due to poor consumption of iron and zinc rich foods. It has previously been observed that 57% of school aged children (SAC) in Tanzania suffer from anemia. In addition, estimates indicate that over 25% of the population have inadequate zinc intake. Pearl millet is an example of a nutrient dense, resilient cereal crop, that can be promoted to diversify diets and combat iron and zinc deficiency. This study overall aim was to increase pearl millet consumption among school aged (5 – 12 years) children. As part of the study, we investigated, the drivers of food choice relating to pearl millet consumption.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study of randomly selected households in Kongwa district, Dodoma region of Tanzania. In total, 128 women of reproductive age (20 – 49 years) were randomly selected for the study. A study questionnaire consisting of 66 items, was developed and validated. The constructs in the questionnaire were categorized in two groups: internal and external factors. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with statements read to them by interviewers. The scores on intention and behavior constructs were based on the number of times caregivers intended to, or had fed their school going children with pearl millet in the referent month. Intention was considered high if it was higher than the median intention score of the group, and low if it was equal to or lower than the median scores. Correlations and multiple linear regressions were performed to measure association between constructs and to identify predictive constructs. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for score comparison.Results: There was a significant difference between intention and behavior among those who did not consume pearl millet (P = 0.003), and those who consumed pearl millet two or more times a week, in the same month (P = 0.01). Knowledge was significantly correlated with behavior identity (ρ = 0.58, P = 0.001), while health behavior identity was significantly correlated with intention (ρ = 0.31, P = 0.001). Intention of caregivers was significantly and positively correlated (ρ = 0.44, P = 0.001) with and predicted consumption of pearl millet (ρ = 0.87, P = 0.067).Conclusion: Increasing knowledge or awareness on nutritional benefits of pearl millet among caregivers may increase consumption of pearl millet by children of school going age.

The Role & Strategies of Non Formal Education for Education Access to Marginalized Community

In Pakistan, about 22.8 million children of school going age are out of school which is very alarming situation and second highest number in the World. Major portion of these OOSCs belong to deprived, marginalized community of Pakistan. Although Pakistan has promised under article 25A to educate all the boys and girls age of school going children but this yet not to be meet due to financial constraints. So to fill this gap an alternative comprehensive system is needed. Non Formal Education is recognized and understood as cost effective and flexible system to fill this gap. In context of Pakistan, despite of recognition of NFE, it has not received due attention due to lack political interest. However, in last few years it is seen progress in this sector and a Non Formal Education Policies are developed at province level e.g. Punjab Non Formal Education Policy and Sindh Non Formal Education Policy. The aim of study was to explore the strategies of Non Formal Education for education access to underprivileged community and its effectiveness in Punjab. The research was conducted in 100 NFBE schools in three districts of Punjab. It was a Quantitative survey research to explore the strategies, and impact of NFBE schools on community. Random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Data was collected from officers, teachers, students and their parents. Data was collected through Questionnaires. It was found that NFE system was imparting cost effective, affordable, flexible, inclusive education at door step of deprived and marginalized community. It was recommended to allocate the more funds to scale up NFE system to cater the all OOSC. It was also recommended to amend and implement the Literacy Act 1987.

Assessment of Breakfast Consumption on Nutritional Adequacy among School-going Children in India

Background: Children of school going age constitute a highly vulnerable and important group. During their growing period, all the nutrients should be included in their diet. Breakfast provides important nutrients for growing children. Skipping breakfast among school children is erratic. Therefore, the study was undertaken to assess the role of breakfast consumption affecting nutritional adequacy among schoolchildren. Methods: During the period 2015-2016, total of 200 school children in the age group of 10-12 years studying in government and private schools of North Bengaluru, Karnataka were selected through random sampling techniques. The breakfast consumption pattern was assessed using questionnaire. Dietary intake in terms of food and nutrients was assessed through 24 hours recall method. To measure adequacy of nutrient consumption, the obtained data was compared with recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for specific age group. Result: Gender wise segregation revealed that 109 were boys (54.5%) and 91 were girls (45.5%). The breakfast skipping was found more in the children of government school compared to private school (73% vs. 37%). When compared with the breakfast consumers, skippers had lower mean intake of all the nutrients studied. Similar results were observed among girls as in boys. The study provided new information on specific meal pattern i.e., breakfast that may be potential determinant of dietary adequacy and dietary quality.

Boko Haram Violence on Western Schools System in Yobe State of Nigeria

The study is aimed at assessing the effects of Boko Haram Violence on Western schools System in Yobe State, Nigeria. One objective was formulated to guide the study, specifically to establish how Boko Haram violence has affected western schools’ system in Yobe State. A descriptive research design was adopted in which the instruments for data collection was a 10 items questionnaire based on 4-point Likert’s scale of staff of Yobe State universal Basic education Board, teachers, head of schools and PTA/Community members were conducted as a means of generating primary data. The data collected was analyzed using the descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation analysis through a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 16.0 Version) using frequency tables and percentage. The study findings among other revelations discovered that Boko Haram has attacked schools resulting in the indiscriminate destruction of school’s infrastructure and the teaching and learning materials, loss of teachers, killing and kidnapping of school children as well as recruiting children of school going age as suicide bombers and spies. This therefore, has negatively affected the quality and standards of western schools’ system in Yobe State. The study recommended that the federal government should ensure educational facilities are adequately secured, especially in the northern States to forestall attacks on the school which claim the lives of pupils and their teachers alike, while also leading to wanton destruction of school’s infrastructure. Equally, the schools being destroyed by the Boko Haram should be rebuilt and children should be encouraged to go back to schools. Teachers, particularly in Yobe State and northern part of the country should be motivated by special allowances to ameliorate them from untold hardship they suffer as a result of Boko Haram violence. This ensures a high rate of retention of teachers in the school system. On school’s internal security system daily school attendance record books should be adopted by the all schools in Yobe State, likewise students’ movement record book should be introduced and kept by teachers with a daily report to the school head. This will make the school authorities to understand and have controls of the school internal security system during the school hours for the betterments of the students, teachers/personnel within the school environment and society at large.