Title: Basic Education Certificate Mathematics Grade as a Predictor of Senior Secondary School Mathematics Achievement in Delta Central, Delta State Nigeria
Authors: ITOJE, Ovwigho, P. A. U. Ossai, Ph.D
Volume: 9
Issue: 9
Pages: 170-176
Publication Date: 2025/09/28
Abstract:
This study investigated Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) Mathematics grade, sex, and location as predictors of Senior Secondary School Mathematics achievement in Delta Central Senatorial District. Guided by the research problem and objectives, six research questions and six corresponding null hypotheses were formulated. Relevant literature provided both theoretical and empirical bases for the study. A correlational research design of the ex-post-facto type was employed. The population comprised 2,550 students who sat for BECE in the 2018/2019 academic session and 2,260 students who sat for SSCE-NECO in 2021/2022 across public secondary schools in the district. Data were drawn from BECE Mathematics results and SSCE-NECO Mathematics scores. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to answer the research questions, while multiple regression was applied to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that BECE Mathematics grade and students' location had no significant relationship with SSCE Mathematics achievement. However, students' sex significantly related to Mathematics performance. Furthermore, parental educational qualification had a significant moderating influence on the relationship between BECE Mathematics grade, sex, and location, and students' Senior Secondary Mathematics achievement. The study concluded that BECE Mathematics grade, sex, and location are not reliable predictors of Senior Secondary Mathematics achievement in Delta Central Senatorial District. It was recommended that the BECE curriculum be reviewed to align more closely with the SSCE syllabus and with provisions of the National Policy on Education, to strengthen the linkage between junior and senior secondary performance.