THE EFFECTS OF TRUANCY ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PERFORMANCE IN YOLA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN ADAMAWA STATE.
Abstract
This study examines the impact of truancy on the academic performance of junior secondary
school students in Yola South Local Government Area, Adamawa State. Despite various
educational reforms aimed at improving school attendance, truancy remains a significant
challenge, hindering educational goals and lowering student performance. The research identifies
multiple factors contributing to truancy, including socio-economic conditions, parental neglect,
bullying, and overcrowded classrooms. Using a researcher-constructed questionnaire, "Effects of
Truancy on Students Performance Questionnaire (ETSPQ)," data were collected from students to
assess these factors and their effects on academic outcomes.
The questionnaire, validated by experts and found reliable with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of
0.73, was administered in multiple sections addressing causes, effects, and control strategies for
truancy. Analysis through mean, standard deviation, and t-tests revealed that truancy negatively
impacts student performance, with significant social and psychological consequences. The study
found that bullying, class overcrowding, and parental indifference were major contributors to
truancy, while poor school environments discouraged regular attendance.
The study concludes that truancy is a major impediment to achieving educational success in Yola
South. As part of the recommendations, it emphasizes the role of parents in closely monitoring their
children’s school activities and suggests that schools recognize and reward well-behaved students
to encourage attendance. Additional recommendations include reducing class sizes, enforcing antibullying measures, and incorporating leisure activities in schools to boost student engagement.
The research also calls for further studies on the geographical distribution of truancy, the influence
of cultural factors, and the socio-economic background of parents on student absenteeism.
Moreover, the long-term benefits of addressing truancy on improving educational outcomes and
the quality of education in the region are underscored.
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