SCHOOL QUALITY FACTORS AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS IN SOUTH-WESTERN AND NORTH- CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated nine school quality factors that are likely to influence students’ achievement in Mathematics in South-Western and North-Central Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design of the ex-post facto type and made use of a sample of 1,014 Mathematics teachers and principals selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The two validated instruments used were School-based Quality Inventory (r = 0.89) and School-Based Quality Factor Questionnaire (r = 0.92). Three hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data collected were analysed using means, standard deviation and multiple regression. Out of the nine variables, the two variables that contributed significantly to student’s achievement in Mathematics are conveniences and instructional materials (s = 0.130, t = 2.381, P < 0.05), (s = 0.134, t = 2.470; P < 0.05) respectively. Instructional materials and conveniences (toilets) have been adjudged to have contributed significantly to students’ achievement in Mathematics. Therefore, Government and other stakeholders should ensure that schools are provided with effective and adequate toilet facilities. It is also recommended that instructional resources should be provided in schools.