THE EFFECT OF SINGLE PARENTING ON CHILD'S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL, KATAGUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE

This study investigates “The Effect of Single Parenting on Child’s Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State.” The main objective was to examine how single parenting influences students’ academic achievement, with a focus on the academic, emotional, and social challenges faced by students from single-parent homes. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 366 respondents, including students, teachers, and school administrators from selected secondary schools in Katagum Local Government Area. Findings revealed that single parenting has a significant effect on a child’s academic performance. Students from single-parent homes often face financial constraints, reduced parental guidance, and emotional stress, which may negatively impact their school attendance, concentration, and overall performance. The study also identified that single parents, due to work and other responsibilities, may have limited time to monitor their children’s academic activities, leading to lower academic achievement compared to students from two-parent households. Furthermore, peer influence and low self-esteem were found to be contributing factors affecting academic performance among students in single-parent families. Despite these challenges, the study also highlighted that some students from single-parent homes perform well academically when there is adequate parental support, positive school environment, and community intervention. The role of teachers, school counselors, and peer support was found to be crucial in mitigating the negative effects of single parenting on academic achievement. Based on the findings, the study recommends that schools in Katagum Local Government Area should strengthen guidance and counseling services to support students from single-parent families. Government and non-governmental organizations should initiate programs aimed at providing financial and psychosocial support to single parents and their children. Additionally, single parents are encouraged to create quality time for their children despite busy schedules, while schools should foster inclusive policies that cater to the needs of all students regardless of family background. while single parenting poses unique challenges to children’s academic performance, the negative impacts can be mitigated through combined efforts of parents, educators, and the wider community to ensure equal learning opportunities and academic success for all students.