Title: Child Labour, Schooling And Academic Achievement In Public Secondary Schools In Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Akinola Gbadebo ANIMASAUN (Ph.D), Wasiu Mayowa OYERINDE, Basirat Opeyemi, WAHAB
Volume: 10
Issue: 4
Pages: 32-38
Publication Date: 2026/04/28
Abstract:
This study investigated the relationship between child labour, schooling and academic achievement in public secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A total of 300 respondents were selected from six (6) public secondary schools within Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State using simple random sampling technique. The research instrument used was a four point modified Rensis Likert Rating Scale Questionnaire type. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using Chi-square and independent t-test statistical tool at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed a significant negative relationship between child labour and both academic achievement (r = -0.48, p = 0.001) and school attendance (r = -0.52, p = 0.001), indicating that increased involvement in child labour is associated with lower academic performance and irregular school attendance. Additionally, a significant gender difference was observed in academic achievement (t = 4.92, p = 0.001), with female students being more adversely affected by child labour than their male counterparts. The study recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should work towards the eradication of poverty by providing employments to its citizens, which is the primary cause of child labour, parents and community should be mindful of age and sex of their children before exposing them to labour and that the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programmes should be fully implemented and monitored to take care of the sets of students exposed to menial works.