EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IBADAN

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Educational facilities are the resources utilized by students and instructors to help in the teaching and learning process. The size and capacity of classrooms, labs and laboratory equipment, and library facilities, which included suggested textbooks and set volumes, were also investigated in this study. According to Alimi, (2004), the frequency with which available school facilities such as laboratory facilities, library facilities, textbooks, set books, and other reference materials are used during respective class courses is referred to as utilization of educational facilities. The significance of school facilities in the establishment of a successful educational system, especially at the secondary level. The importance of education cannot be overstated. The application of educational goals and objectives necessitates the supply, optimum usage, and effective administration of educational facilities. (Alimi, 2004).

According to Bandele (2003), the value of educational facilities cannot be underestimated. Modern laboratories, libraries, and classrooms will be installed in all of our schools. According to Adesola (2005), the degree of accessible materials and facilities is a positive for instructors and demonstrates the level of inventiveness and devotion of the teachers to successful class delivery. As previously stated by Alimi, there is a need for the rehabilitation of ancient buildings, seats, desks, and cabinets, as well as the procurement of contemporary classrooms.  Babatunde, (2008) highlighted facilities as a significant element influencing academic success in the educational system. These include, among other things, school furniture and leisure equipment.

School can be thought of as a structured atmosphere in which educational curriculum are understood. It is a formal organized organization that functions as a transitional stage in life between the family and society. School is a place where children are prepared to function as adults, and this preparation is accomplished through the teaching and learning process, the goal of which is to instill in the learner desirable positive and effective changes in behavior through critical thinking in a more conducive environment that is structured to facilitate learning (Babatunde, 2008).

Balogun, (2000) opined that Secondary school, is the education children received after primary education and before the tertiary stage, requires school plant and facilities that include all types of buildings for academic and non-academic activities; equipment for academic and non-academic activities; areas for sports and games, landscape, farms and gardens, including trees, roads, and paths. Secondary schools also require furniture and bathroom facilities, lighting, acoustics, storage facilities and parking lots, security, transportation, cleaning materials, food services, and special facilities for students with special needs. Their look and upkeep impact most parents and persuade them to form opinions about the quality and efficacy of what goes on in the school. It is considered that without such amenities, no matter how appealing the vacant buildings are, they cannot be effectively utilised for educational purposes (Balogun, 2000). Schools must have appropriate facilities to allow teachers and students to complete the course goals. This is the essence of the school's infrastructure and amenities. Several studies in the field of education have focused on school factors such as school type (public or private), size, student body demographics, teacher certification, and their link to students' academic outcomes. Udo, (2006) maintains that through their facilities, schools may impact their students' connection, dedication to all school activities, and academic accomplishment. Students and instructors at schools with inadequate facilities are more likely to fail to perceive a clear emphasis on academic aims and the learning environment, and such a school is more likely to be unconducive to the learning process. According to Udo (2006), resources alone cannot increase student performance in classrooms.

In recent years, mass failure in public tests has reached frightening proportions.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

According to Udo (2006), the outcome of our educational system has dropped below the minimal for our educational objectives, which he believes indicates a failure in our curriculum, facility provision, instructors and teaching methods, or evaluation system. In this time of economic crisis, educating all children is a huge challenge. It is challenging because of the enormous number of children, particularly in a developing nation like Nigeria, where planning has long been a concern As a result, there is a need to utilize and maintain the limited plant and facilities available in schools in order to provide excellent teaching and learning effectiveness.

Reduced learning time, alienated students, inability to provide specialized curriculum, low staff morale, lack of technology proficiency, safety hazards, high rates of teacher attrition, and reduced ability to meet special needs may result from deteriorated and inadequate school plant and facilities (21st Century School Fund, 2002). It is usual to find certain schools nowadays where the settings are far from favorable to learning; where classroom spaces are insufficient, because most students are found to be packed in classes, particularly in public institutions. Learning can take place under trees in some instances. Some schools are typically in bad condition. Inadequate learning materials may hinder teachers' efficacy and students' learning. Poor working circumstances and inadequate facilities have eventually reduced motivation and satisfaction, demoralizing instructors. Education nowadays must educate the kid for all-round growth (Bakar 2015).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary aim of this study is to assess educational facilities and their influence on the academic achievement of students in senior secondary schools. Other aims of this study are:

a)        To find out if there is a relationship between educational facilities and the academic performance of senior secondary school students.

b)        To examine the impacts of educational facilities on the academic performance of students.

c)        To find out how available these facilities are to students.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions guide this study.

What is the relationship between educational facilities and academic performance?

What are the impacts of educational facilities on the academic performance of students?

To what extent are these facilities available to students?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Ha1: there is no significant difference between educational facilities impacted and high performance.

Ho1: there is significant difference between educational facilities and high performance.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will add to existing knowledge in the field of educational planning in particular; the outcome would allow for the improvement of educational planning in Bauchi State and Nigeria in general. This is due to the fact that the findings will aid in the better understanding and improvement of school plant and facilities.

This study will also be of benefit to school administrators and owners as the results will show how impactful educational facilities on educational performance. This study will also be of great benefit to students as they will know the reasons why they should make effective use of available educational facilities.

Finally, this study will serve as existing material for future reference and further studies.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will be focused on educational facilities and their influence on the academic achievement of students in senior secondary schools. It will find out if there is a relationship between educational facilities and the academic performance of senior secondary school students. It will also be focused on the impacts of educational facilities on the academic performance of students.

This study will be using senoior secondary school students of Ikolaban High school in  ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State as enrolled participants.

I.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will be limited to educational facilities and its impact on academic performance on senior secondary school students. It shall not be focusing on junior secondary school students neither shall it be focusing on other impacts and academic performance and as such the results of this findings cannot be used on junior secondary school students performance and neither can it be used to solve other problems affecting academic performance.

This study will be limited to Ikolaban High School in Ibadan North Local Government of Oyo State. Results cannot be used in other parts of the country.

1.9. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Influence: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself.

Academic performance: Academic performance is the measurement of student achievement across various academic subjects

Secondary school: Secondary school is an educational institution where the second stage of the three schooling periods, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age takes place

Students: high school students.

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