Parents’ Occupational Background and Student Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Osogbo Metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the occupational background of parents on the academic performance of public secondary school students in the Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The simple random technique was used to select 200 students from 18 high schools in the metropolis. The results of their state government conducted promotion examinations to the final grade were used to measure academic performance. The findings revealed a significant relationship between parents’ occupational background and the academic performance of students in the Osogbo metropolis. Students with working parents who earn regular salaries and work in offices, especially within the school setting, perform better than those with parents who are not working or who earn an irregular income. Also, students whose parents work in offices and in school settings perform better than those who have parents working outside of office or school settings. Students whose parents’ work closes late or are always away on long journeys showed lower performance than those whose parents are always available at home. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government schools ensure regular payment of salaries and emoluments to various categories of income earners so that they could complement government efforts by providing schools’ student needs.