COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN BASIC SCIENCE IN 2022/2023 JUNIOR WEAC IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN OGBA/EGDEMA/NDONI LGA

ABSTRACT This study investigates the comparative academic performance of students in Basic Science in public and private junior secondary schools in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Amid concerns about declining performance in science subjects, particularly in external exams, the research seeks to identify gender-based performance differences and assess the impact of school type (public vs. private) on students' achievements. Three objectives, research questions and hypotheses guide the study, exploring whether significant differences exist between male and female students' scores and between the two school types. The study aims to contribute to the improvement of science education at the foundational level. This study employed a correlational research design to compare the academic performance of students in Basic Science across public and private junior secondary schools in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State. The population of the study consists of all public and private secondary school in ONELGA with the total population of about 394,065 and a sample of 240 students from eight schools—representing urban and rural public and private institutions—was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data on student performance were collected from the Rivers State Ministry of Education. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to analyze the data, revealing significant differences in academic outcomes based on school type and gender. Private school students significantly outperformed their public school counterparts, with male students in both public and private schools outperforming female students. The findings highlight disparities in educational resources, teacher qualifications, and infrastructural support between public and private schools. The study concludes that private schools offer a better environment for academic achievement, and it is recommended that; Government should increase funding for public schools to improve infrastructure and resources, public schools should prioritize hiring and training qualified teachers, implement policies to reduce student-teacher ratios in public schools and introduce mentorship programs and collaborations between public and private schools.