HOME RELATED FACTORS AS CAUSES OF POOR STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OYO STATE

Abstract

Schooling is vital for national development, and students' academic performance is a key indicator of an effective educational system. However, persistent poor performance, particularly in public secondary schools, raises significant concerns. While multiple factors contribute to this issue, the home environment plays a foundational role in shaping a child's educational outcomes. This paper examines the various home-related factors that influence the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Oyo State, Nigeria. Through a review of extant literature and analysis of secondary data from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the paper identifies critical factors such as socio-economic status, parental involvement, home climate, and family structure as significant determinants of academic success. The findings reveal a troubling trend of underperformance, with failure rates exceeding 57% in recent years, which has implications for individual potential and national human capital development. The paper concludes by offering suggestions for improvement and recommendations for policymakers, educators, and parents to foster a more supportive home learning environment.