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CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS OF TRUANCY AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1              BACKGROUND OF STUDY

        Truancy is defined as unauthorized absence from school. Desocio et al (2007) argued that the major problems facing schools were how to effectively deal with student truancy. When students had not attended school for a long period of time or frequently missing school, were classified as truants. The incidence of truancy was widely known to be a problem in formal education systems locally and internationally. A study by Reid (2005) titled “The causes, views and traits of school absenteeism and truancy: in analytical review”; was basically about school absenteeism and truancy. The study was conducted in England and had the following findings; non-attendance and truancy continued due to social inequalities, poverty, education attitudes, and incompetence of some parents, peer pressure, unattractive school buildings and climate. The recommendations made were, preventing and combating absence was expensive in terms of staff time, costly for schools and the nation. Therefore, more studies in seeking more causes of truancy were needed to be taken. 

Another scholar called Florence (2009) conducted a study titled, “The incidence and causes of Truancy in Senior High Schools: Implication for Counsellors and Parents, in Cape Cost Metropolis in Ghana. The study sought to investigate various incidences and causes of truancy in the senior high schools in the cape. The author came up with the following findings, truancy was caused by, family related causes, school related causes; teachers related causes and community related causes.

In the same vain, Nwachukwu (2004) said that a truant is one who absents him/herself from classes and school functions, comes late to classes and returns days or even weeks after the beginning of each term without any good permission. Meanwhile Nwachukwu (1999) opined that if a student’s character does not conform with the already mapped out rules and regulations with regards to class attendance and other school activities, that such student is regarded as a truant.

According to Baker, sigmon and Nugent (2001), voluminous research indicates that school problems including: academic failure, juvenile delinquency, gang activity and drug abuse. Nonetheless, the present researchers believe that some of the causes of truancy are non- student factors like, inadequate parental care, cruel teachers, and poor school management.

In the light of the above, Nwangwu (1991) reported that most parents usually overlook their responsibilities in training their children rather they try to transfer their roles to the school, neglecting their vital roles of nurturing the character of the child at home. It does not mean that a teacher has not got their own shortcomings. Araonyer (1991) said that some teachers are chief truant who come to school at will while some make lessons very difficult for the student by jumping into the class without proper preparation for the lesson. The present researchers observed that in any school where management has a laissez – faire approach to disciplinary issues like, punctuality, neatness, moral conduct etc the students show lackadaisical attitude to school functions and thus revert to truancy. Fitzgerald (2005) explained that school attendance is an important factor in the development of child’s future. Success in school often leads to a bright and promising future for a student. He further opined that many students stray away from school and become involved in negative activities such as drug abuse, delinquent behavior and gang activity. Sigmon and Nugent (2001) warned that not only does truancy have an immediate effect on the secondary school student, it also extends far into student’s adult years with increased likelihood of incarceration. The National policy on Education (2004) defined secondary Education, as the education children receive after primary Education and before the tertiary stage. Post primary school board (PPSMB) statistical record PRS (2009) shows that there are nine government owned secondary schools in Enugu North local Government Area. Enugu north local government area is in Enugu senatorial local government of Enugu state, Nigeria. The area is predominantly an urban settlement with a few rural communities. Some of the communities in Enugu North L.G.A include : Enugu Ngwo, Iva-valley , Coal camp, G.R.A, independent Lay-out , Ogui and Asata.

1.2   Statement of the Problem

Truancy has been a nagging issue in Nigeria and Enugu state in particular, Ogakwu (2009). Beyond the effect that missed schooling may have on a student’s educational attainment, truancy may indicate more deeply embedded problems with the student presently and in latter life. The entire educational system is also affected, wikipedea, (2001).This study tends to find out the causes, consequences and solution of truancy among secondary school students in Enugu North local government Area. It has been earlier perceived in the background of this study that the incident of truancy is on increase. This is perhaps due to school phobia, delinquency, inadequate parental responsibility or care, attitudes of class teachers and the school management.

1.3       Purpose of Study

Based on the background and the problems and of this study, the main purpose underlying this project is to investigate the causes and solutions of truancy among secondary school students in Enugu North local government Area. The specific objectives include;

  i.         To evaluate the contributing factors of truancy among secondary school students.

ii.         To examine the ways that parents help in reducing the incidences of truancy in secondary schools.

iii.         To know the role teachers’ play in order to reduce truancy in schools.

iv.         To know the roles of school authority in the reduction of truancy among students.

v.         To evaluate how government can help in the reduction of truancy among secondary school students.

1.4       Research Questions  

The following research questions were formulated to guide the study;

        i.            What are the contributing factors of truancy among secondary school students?

      ii.            In what ways can parents help in reducing the incidences of truancy in school?

    iii.            What roles have the teachers to play in order to reduce truancy in schools?

    iv.            What are the roles of the school authority in reduction of truancy among students?

      v.            How can government help in reduction of truancy among secondary school students?

1.5       Significance of Study             

The usefulness of this research work in the educational system cannot be over emphasized. If the result of the study is properly utilized, it is going to be of benefits to the students, teachers, parents and government. This study work will help to educate the up coming students on the consequences of truancy. It will help parents to understand the need for adequate parental care on school children. It will intimate the teachers and other school staff on the strategies to employ in order to reduce the incidence of truancy in schools. It will help the government to design relevant policies and legislations to curb the menace of truancy in this country.

1.6       Scope of Study             

The study was based on the secondary schools in Enugu North local government Area, Enugu state. The scope of the study is limited to determine the causes and solution of truancy among secondary school students in the area.

1.7       Definitions of Terms

Truancy in this study means unauthorized student absence from school, either in a certain lesson, whole day or more than one day in a week, month or quarter of a school term.

School: A secondary school is an organization that provides secondary education and prepare students for tertiary education

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