INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL SOCIO -ECONOMIC STATUS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN INTEGRATED SCIENCE IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study evaluated how parental socio-economic status affects the academic performance of secondary school students in integrated science within OVIA North East Local Government Area, Edo State. The primary aim was to explore the impact of parents' income on their children's academic success and examine how different factors—such as parents' education levels, occupations, and home environment—influence students' performance in integrated science. The research methodology employs descriptive statistics, including basic numerical values and percentages, along with correlation analysis to examine both primary data collected through questionnaires and a variety of literature relevant to the study. The focus of this study is on students in junior secondary class three. Data was analyzed using percentage calculations and mean values. The findings reveal that parental income significantly impacts the academic performance of integrated science students. Analysis indicates that factors such as occupation, income level, educational background, and home environment substantially contribute to the academic success of these students. The researchers suggest that students from low-income households should be provided with scholarships and free textbooks. They also recommend that the government undertake economic empowerment initiatives to increase parental income.