A STUDY OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF GIRLS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT: This research work investigates the study of the factors affecting academic performance of girls in senior secondary schools in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Introduction of this study includes background to the study, significance of the study, purpose of the study, scope of the study, limitation to the study, definition of some related terms and research questions was formulated that was used for the analysis of data in chapter four. Review of related literature in chapter two focused on wide range of factors affecting the girls in the secondary schools. These includes socio-economic status of portents, parents attitudes to education of the girl child, family structure, cultural influence, attitude of female students to study and poor learning facilities for the girl child. The population of this study is female students selected from secondary schools within the geopolitical zone in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. One hundred (100) students were randomly selected from five (5) schools in the local government area., a validated questionnaire were used to collect information from respondents which were retrieved and analyzed on tables using simple percentage. Findings reveal that there is no difference between the performance of female students and their family type. It was also observed that girls from polygamous background strive for academic excellence putting their background behind them and also that unavailability of functioning equipment and facilities influence the academic performance of girls in the secondary school conclusion were drawn and recommendations were made.