Title: Parents' Socioeconomic Status and Students' Academic Performance in Chemistry in Public Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Christiana Etim Okpongete, Jane Michael Essien
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: 74-80
Publication Date: 2026/09/28
Abstract:
: The study determined the extent to which parents' socioeconomic variables (parents' educational status, parents' income level and parents' occupational status) jointly relates with students' academic performance in chemistry in public secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. To achieve this, two specific objectives were stated, two research questions were raised and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Human Capital Theory by Gary Becker in 1964 and Theodore Schultz, (1961) was adopted for the study. Correlational research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised all 7836 chemistry students in Public Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State. Multistage sampling approach was used for selecting 783 students which represents 10% of their population. An instrument titled Parents' Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire (PSQ) and Achievement Test in Chemistry were used for data collection from students. The instrument was validated by two experts from the Department of Educational Management and planning and one from the Department of Measurement and Evaluation, both in Abia State University, Ututu. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha analysis and the index reliability coefficient of 0.89 was realized and utilized for the study. Multiple regression and Analysis of Variance statistical tools were used to answer the research question one and two and to test the null hypotheses one and two respectively at .05 significant level. Findings of the study revealed that parents' educational status, parents' income level and parents' occupational status significantly independently and collectively influence students' academic performance in Chemistry in Public Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State. It was concluded from the results that parents' educational qualifications, parents' income level and parents' occupational status influences students' academic performance when all in use simultaneously by way of providing children with all needed resources to be the best among peers in school thus achieving the educational set goals, leading to a better skills development. The test has by and large bore favourable significant results in the light of the variables adopted for the study. It is recommended amongst others that, educational bodies should adjust the curriculum to ensure core learning and critical assignments are completed within school hours under the supervision of professional teachers. This mitigates the disadvantages of low parental educational qualifications, ensuring students' academic success does not depend heavily on their parents' ability to help with homework.