PROLIFERATION OF PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL ON SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENT’S PERFORMANCE IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the proliferation of private secondary schools and its effect on Social Studies students' academic performance in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. The research was anchored on Structural Functionalism Theory and adopted a descriptive survey design. A sample of 48 private schools was selected from a population of 219 schools, comprising 301 JSS III students and 92 Social Studies teachers. Two validated questionnaires QPPSSAP and TPPSSAPB with reliability coefficients of 0.75 and 0.70 respectively, were used for data collection. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study, with data analyzed using mean scores, percentages, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that proliferation of private schools significantly affects students' academic performance (r = .682, p < 0.05). Non-compliance with government guidelines for establishing schools significantly undermines academic outcomes (r = .715, p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant relationship exists between proliferation, facility availability, and academic performance (R = .734, p < 0.05). The study concluded that many private schools operate without adhering to established guidelines, employ unqualified teachers, and lack essential facilities including adequate classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and functional toilets, driven by profit orientation that sacrifices educational quality. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory monitoring and inspection mechanisms, ensuring school owners prioritize quality over profit, and enhancing parental vigilance in school selection.