FACTORS AFFECTING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ENROLMENT AND RETENTION IN SCHOOLS IN IREPODUN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Education for All (EFA) is an initiative which aimed at bringing educational benefits
as well as promoting inclusive education among children of school ages. These
according to researchers have not been achieved in many countries including
Nigeria. Despite efforts by international organizations, children of school ages in
Irepodun, Kwara State still roam about the street during school hours. Studies have
shown poor enrolment and retention in secondary schools in Nigeria. It, therefore,
becomes imperative to investigate factors affecting students’ enrolment and retention
in Irepodun to complement existing knowledge.
Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. Two research questions were
raised to guide the study. The study sample comprised 300 participants (40 school
principals, 60 secondary school teachers, 70 secondary school students, 30 youths
who had never been to secondary school, 30 youths who had dropped out of
secondary school, 40 parents and 30 school proprietors). Participants were selected
using opportunity sampling techniques. Data was collected using interview questions
with 8 items responded to in a face-to-face interview designed by the researchers.
Data from the interview were analyzed qualitatively using content and thematic
analysis as well as frequency counts and percentage. Findings from the study
revealed that parents, school, students, economic and government or political factors
play notable roles in the poor state of enrolment and retention in schools in Irepodun,
Kwara State. It was recommended for government to stabilize educational policies
and properly educate parents, guardians and children on the importance of
education.