CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Education can be seen as a capital intensive venture in the sense

that a lot of human and material resources are needed and when these

are employed, they serve as facilities in the school. According to

Eresimadu and Nduka (1987) facilities provided include school building,

laboratory equipment, workshops, library, furniture’s text-books records

and even the school land is include. The national goal of developing the

educational system in such a way as to provide a satisfactory flow of

men and women capable, of acquiring the skills necessary to exploit to

the fullest, the natural resources of the country makes it imperative for

facilities to be abundantly available in secondary schools. Buildings are

needed to shelter staff and students, laboratory facilities are needed to

generate manipulative skills in students, sports/game facilities are

needed to develop the mental, social and physical aspects of the

students. Educational facilities could be considered as the entire scope

of physical infrastructures provided in the school for the purpose of

administration teaching and learning processes. Odor (1995) described

educational facilities as physical resources which the school

administrator and his reference group harness, allocate, utilize and

1
maintain for the purposes of effective school administration, teaching

and learning process.

Mmou (2000) Quoted Olutola (1991) as defining educational facilities as

the site building as well as items such as machines, laboratory

equipment, the black boards and the learner’s tools. Enaohwo (1989)

stated that instructional facilities are earlier identified with direct teaching

functions; He said they serve essentially as centers for learning and

teaching in the school set up. Classrooms, laboratories, workshops and

teaching aids are directly relevant. Compbell (1966) stated that school

facilities exist to facilitate instructions and their inadequacies usually

have adverse effects on teaching learning process. Castaldi (1977)

posits that educational facilities are those things of education which

enable a skillful teacher to achieve a level of instructional effectiveness

that far exceeds what is possible when they are not provided. According

to Ogbodo (1995) educational facilities are those materials that facilitate

teaching and learning processes in the school. The school like any other

productive system requires raw materials and to succeed in its

transformation process. The choice are usually based on consideration,

which include the performance of student in the certificate examination,

discipline, achievement in games, the staff strength and knowledge,

school Buildings and other similar attractions that are found in the school

2
management plan. This is to ensure that their children achieve the

ultimate goals at the end of their secondary school education. The

implication of this is that, the secondary school that are better cared for

and provided with the above attractions, gain numerical and other

advantages at the expense of those that are not better cared for this

leads to the question why some secondary schools appear to be better

favoured in terms of staffing as well as being provided with other

infrastructural facilities. By practical experience, it can be inferred i.e

concluded that such school that are not favoured cannot compete

favourably with the more privileged schools. Generally, the result of the

study will be of help in directing the attention of the government towards

correcting the imbalances in our secondary schools as stated in National

policy on education.

Statement of the Problem

The parents choice and the categorization of the schools have

resulted in a situation where by some school under the same level and

examination body are more favoured in terms of provision of school

facilities. This resulting imbalance may be responsible for the poor

academic achievement of the students in secondary schools. One of the

cardinal aims of secondary education is to provide skilled, high level

3
manpower, which is vital to economic and national development. More

than anything else, educational facilities are very necessary for utmost

realization of the goals of education. In this era of accelerating

technological development, modern instructional facilities are not only

important; they are expected to be available in a reasonable state. The

necessary resources to bring about the production of skilled secondary

school graduate will not be achieved without fundamental re-

examination of the available educational facilities for secondary

education.

The need to match a growing student’s enrolment with

corresponding increase in the provision of basic learning facilities cannot

be underestimated however; it is worrisome to note that secondary

schools in Abakaliki local government area are fast decaying, as the

resources required for the educational production process appear to be

in short supply. (Hence, the problem therefore is to determine, to what

extent school facilities have influenced students academic performance.

In secondary schools in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi

State).

4
Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to find out the influence of school

facilities on academic achievement of secondary school students in

Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Specifically the study examined the following:

i. How the use of school library influences the academic

achievement of secondary school students

ii. How the use of equipment in the school laboratories affect the

academic achievement of school students.

iii. How the Quality of teachers affect the academic performance of

the students.

iv. How availability of adequate classroom influences students’

performance?

Significance of the Study

This study will be useful to government in directing the attention of

the educational planners toward a gainful employment of well trained

and highly educated citizens. To the government generally the study

will assist them in the provision of facilities. The study will equally be

of much significance to the students. It will help the students to

5
 develop their abilities and potentialities as individuals capable of living

better and independent lives. The study will also equip the students to

contribute their own Quota to the welfare and development of the

economy of the society in which they belong to. It will also be of help

to the students by improving their academic achievements. This work

will be useful to the general public in that the study will go a long way

in finding out the major problem of student poor performance.

Undergraduate students who may want to carry out similar studies

in future would find this work useful as it will be a good guide for

them.

Scope of the Study

The focus of this research work is purely on the influence of school

facilities on academic achievement of secondary school students in

Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The need of the

school facilities is to enhance improvement on the academic

achievement of students.

The school equipment such as:

School buildings, Quality teachers, furniture’s, teaching aids,

laboratories and libraries.

6
Research Question

1. How does the use of school library influence the academic

achievement of secondary school students?

2. How does the Quality of teachers influence the academic

performance of the students?

3. How does the equipment in the school laboratory affect the

academic achievement of the students?

4. How does availability of adequate classroom affect the

academic achievement of the student?

7
 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A comparative review of literature was done so as to expose the

researcher to the experiences of others and also to provide him with a

theoretical framework on which the study was built. On the basis of this

therefore, the review of related literature for this study focused on the

following sections;

1. Impact of school facilities on school building and furniture

2. Teaching aids

3. School library

4. School laboratory

5. Summary of review of related literature.

Impact of School Facilities on School Building and Furniture

The school building and furniture are very important element in

teaching and learning process which without them no school can be

operated.

They all contributed either favourable or unfavourably to the actual

mastery of the subjects in school. Writing on the need (Mkpa 1987)

emphasized that effort should be made in the school to provide

environment that is conducive to creativity development. Ekweghiarin

8
(1972) in his study observed the relationship between the school

environment and the student’s academic achievement. With that he

described the components which include the buildings, the furniture,

laboratories and libraries etc teaching mainly takes place in classroom

and it has to be comfortable with enough spaces for the health of both

the student and the teacher.

Teaching Aids

Teaching aids are tools used by the classroom teachers, they are

those materials that the teacher utilizes in communicating with students

in the teaching of students and learning process. Writing on teaching

aids onyejemezi in Onwuka (1985) stated that one of the principles

teachers have to continually bear in mind is that man learns through his

senses. He emphasized that the sense of learning includes: sense to

touch, smell and taste dominate in acquiring knowledge. He explained

further on the value of the teaching aids when properly put into use and

then listed seven objectives of teaching aids as follows:

 It has high degree in interest on the students

 It makes learning to be more permanent

 It offers a reality of experiences which stimulates self activity on

the part of the students

9
  It supplies a concrete basis for conceptual thinking and reduces

meaningless wounds responses of the Students.

 It provides experiences not easily obtained through verbalization

and contribute to the Efficiency dept and variety of learning.

 It contributes to the growth of meaning and hence to the

vocabulary Development

 It develops continuity of thought. Onwuka (1986:69).

This is especially true of motion picture, these shows that if students

are left without aids they will achieve little or nothing in their educational

objectives. Teaching aids have a stimulating force as well as the ability

to arouse the interest of the learner. The work of teaching aids and their

immense contributions to effective teaching and learning process cannot

be emphasized. This has been emphasized by Ebunoba (1983) who

stated, it is obvious that any student that does not enjoy a subject may

not do well in it. There is actually a relationship between method of

teaching a subject and the students will show interest and then enjoy all

the subjects taught. He emphasized that students do manipulate objects

or carry out practical work. Therefore he concluded that teaching aids

are indispensable in the school. The roles of audio visual materials

have been acknowledged by government as was clearly stated in the

10
National policy on Education (2004). In view of that educational service

centers such as resources centers and audio visual aids centers are to

be established at state and federal level. This is to ensure that there is

free flow of information in respect to achievement and effective

utilization.

The objectives of these educational services centers are outlined as

follows:

 To develop and promote an effective use of innovative materials in

the schools.

 To make learning more meaningful for students

 To develop sense and improve the educational Programme.

 To promote teaching and improved the competence of teachers in

teaching profession.

 To reduced educational cost and then promote in-service

education. Ebuzeme (1982:38) for the above reasons, teaching

aids helps to improve communication in the classroom. It is also

being used for the development and improvement of instructional

techniques. All of these make teaching more concrete, more

attractive and more meaningful (Ebuzeme 1982:38). Also in his

study on the available and use of audio visual aids for teaching

11
 science in secondary schools. His stated that instructional material

for the teachings of sciences were inadequate.

School Library

The school library is an important department of the school which

helps to promote the growth of knowledge infact; a well equipped library

is a store house of knowledge and centers of learning activities. If

properly organized and used, it encourages student interest in reading

and learning, while it helps the staff in their teaching, research and

professional development. The school library has positive role facilitating

student academic achievement as observed by different research work.

It has been seen as another good facility that enhances the growth of

academic in the recent time. Mkpa (1987) describe library as place

where books and other reference materials necessary for the facilitation

of learning are organized and preserved for use by the teachers and the

learners. He emphasized that there is the need for every school to

posses a library. In support of this Idea, Udo (1985) wrote that today’s

school library is a force and a source of educational excellence. These

have been stated as the purpose of the school library:

 To stimulates and guides students in all phase of

their reading so that they may find increasing enjoyment

12
 and satisfaction to provide an opportunity through library

experience, for boys and girls so as to develop helpful

interests, make satisfactory personal adjustment and then

acquire a desirable social value. Also, to participate in the

school programme as it concerns the needs of the students,

parents, teachers and the community. Udo (1985:40).

Mkpa (1987) stated the following as the use of library in the

school:

 It makes available for the teachers and the learners a

wide range of readings and learning that should

be useful in different subjects’ areas. Since teacher

and the learners can borrow books from it, the library

provides unlimited opportunities for their use to give

access to the materials which they might not afford to buy

by themselves.

 The library creates a quite environment for teaching and

learning process.

 It trains learning in searching for identifying, evaluating

and extracting information’s from texts.

13
  Learners can cross check the teachers’ ideas and then

enrich their knowledge and understanding of the lessons

through the private study.

 The teachers can prepare his lessons more effectively as

he has all the sources to consult from the library, it also

creates opportunities for each subject group to exploit to

their fullest. (Mkpa 1987:20).

In the use of library by the students (Khalil 1981) made

suggestions that students should be given library instructions and

orientation because some of the students came from school with little or

no knowledge of library and therefore will not be able to make an

effective use of library without being guided. In supplying books for

schools library. Obi (1977) contended that the number of books in the

library would mean noting if those books are not fully used. He also

noted a situation where some of the books donated to the schools are

outdated, unattractive and in appropriate to achieve educational goals.

This implies that libraries should be stocked with suitably graded

textbooks and supplementary reading materials. Again, the new national

policy on Education 2004 in its own contributions on the role of school

library stated that: library are one of the most important educational

services that every state ministry needs to provide funds for the

14
establishment of libraries in all education institutions and also train

librarians for library services.

School Laboratory

Science students’ level of academic achievement is greatly being

influenced by such school facilities like laboratories, poor equipment,

school building and inefficient science teachers within the school. In

teaching of science, practical work recommended to theory. In Ezepue

(1986) in his write up, he noted that the lecture method is not the best

for the teaching of science subjects. He observed the lecture method to

offer the students the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate

manipulative skills that will help them to attain the necessary goals in the

science subjects. By Udo (1985) on his investigation he found out that

inadequate laboratory work contributes in poor certificate examinations.

According to Udo, students are not given opportunity to embark on field

trips or excursions to many places of interest. From the foregoing, it can

be inferred that if the laboratory is to serve it’s illustrative and

investigation functions in the school. It should be adequately equipped in

order to promote higher skills in practical work. This means that, the

essence of establishing laboratories in the schools are to help students

use their combination of their sense organs or sight, hearing, smelling

and touching, in learning process. This is because; it will encourage the

15
students to develop the skills of discovery, manipulative and verification

of facts. It shows that when practical and theoretical work are combined

together, that a better understanding and higher level of students

academic achievements will be on served. Not withstanding, the way in

which absences or school facilities contributed to the poor achievements

of the students as earlier mentioned, there are still other factors that

contributes to the poor achievement of students based on psychological

and social back ground.

Amaefule (1985) in this group study of influence of teaching method on

the students’ achievement in sciences concluded that the use of

laboratory method is better than demonstrating and expository methods.

They recommended the adaptation of laboratory method in the teaching

of sciences in secondary schools.

Summary of Literature Review

The essence of this chapter is to present and attempt what has

been the ideas of different authorities in the teaching and learning

process of educational system as regard the research study from the

observation, education had been acknowledged by the society as the

only instrument of school change that individual are expected to work

very hard for the accomplishment of educational goals. This test can be

16
realized, only in the school system because it is a social institution.

There are many factors that hinders the academic achievement of

students in the school system. But this research was based on the

influence of school facilities on academic achievement of secondary

school students. The researcher discussed the importance, the values

and the need of the following school building instructional materials,

library and laboratory, the study also discussed the influence on the

above mentioned school facilities on academic achievement of students.

School facilities have being discussed as an indispensable factors as

long as teaching students is concerned. School library and laboratory is

bedrock upon which every academic activities lies.

17
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHOD AND PROCEDURE

In this chapter the researcher explains the method and procedure

used in collecting data for the study and in analyzing the data collected

the researcher presents the research methods under the following sub-

headings:

Research design

Area of the study

Population of the study

Sample and sampling Technique

Instrument for data collection

Validation of the instrument

Reliability of the instrument

Method for data collection

Method of data analysis

Research Design

18
 The research design used in carrying out this study is survey

design

According to Nwana (1981) the survey design is a description of a

situation in its current state and then seeks information directly for the

respondents which makes the information more distinct and finite. Amigo

in Nweke (2002) observed that, surveys are studies in which the

particular characteristics of population were studied through a sample

meant to be representative of the population. The researcher adopted

this design to ensure proper representation of the population. This

design was used to elicit responses from people on the influence of

school facilities on the academic achievement of secondary school

students.

Area of the Study

The study area covered Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi

State. within the area of study, there are communities which includes

Ebya, Amaegu, Inyimagu, Okpuitiumo, Amachi, Igbegu, Ekumeyi Abaga

etc. it worthy of note that the Local Government headquarter is located

at Nkaliki. The areas of study is known for farming and rearing of

animals.

19
Population of the Study

The population of the study is made up of all the teachers in the

13 public secondary school in Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi

State. The total number of the population is 210 teachers.

Sample and Sampling Techniques

The population was too small for sampling to be drawn upon and

because of that, the researcher decided to use the entire population of

210 teachers.

Instrument for Data Collection

The researcher used a structured Questionnaire designed by the

researcher. The Questionnaire is made up of tow parts “A” and “B” part

of “B” consist’ of Questions Demanding personal data, whole part of “B”

consist of Questions related to research Questions. Each research

Question carried five items. The respondents are expected to tick any of

the options accordingly. The responses to the items on Questionnaire

were rated on a four points modified Liker rating scale as shown below

Strongly Agree - 5A 4 Points

Agree - A 3 Points

Disagree - D 2 Points

20
Strongly Disagree - 5D 1 Points

Validation of the Instrument

A drafted Questionnaire was face validated by two lecturers in

Educational foundations and one expert in measurement and Evaluation

and gave a content validity after going through the structured

Questionnaire to determine the relevance of the content to the objective

of the study. The instrument was criticized based on suitability and

purpose. Based on the critic a final copy of the instrument was drafted.

Reliability of the Instrument

To ensure that the instrument was reliable, the researcher used

test –retest method. This was done by administering some copies of

Questionnaire to 40 teachers in two schools in anther local government

area (Izzi) not Included in the sample. After two weeks another copies of

same Questionnaire were administered to the same people. The results

of the two administrations was collected and compared, using person

product variance correlation coefficient of 0.82. This was high enough

for the instrument to be reliable.

Method of Data Collection

21
 The instrument was personally distributed to the respondents by

the researcher. It was collected immediately after the respondents have

completed the Questionnaire, none missed because the Questionnaire

were correctly filled and completed and as such none was discarded.

Method of Data Analysis

The data collected from the respondents through the use of

Questionnaire were analyzed. A 4 points Liket scale was used in

answering the items in the Questionnaire. Analytical and interpretation

tools applied include frequencies and mean.

The formula below was used.

Mean = x = Ef x
N
Where Efx = Sum of
f = Frequencies
X = score
N = total number of score
:
However, the researcher assigned numerical values to different scaling
points. for examples
SA - strongly Agree = 4
A - Agree = 3
D - Disagree = 2
SD - Strongly disagree = 1

22
: The mean = 4+3+2+1 = 10 = 2.5
4 4

Decision Rule= 2.5

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA REPRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

In this chapter, the collected data were presented and analyzed to

answer the research Questions.

The data were analyzed using frequencies and mean.

In the calculation of results, the frequencies of all the responses were

stated and the mean given.

In the analysis, Reponses to disagree and strongly disagree where

regarded as unaccepted. The total ground mean of each research

Question were calculated and used in analyzing the data.

Research Question 1

How does the use of school library influence the academic

achievement of secondary school students?

Table 1: Responses showing how the use of school library

influences the academic achievement of secondary school
students?

23
S/N Questionnaire Items SA A D SD N F X REMARK
1 Equipped library helps
students to perform 30 110 40 20 200 550 2.8 Agree
well in examination
2 Knowledge gained
during break enhance 10 130 50 10 200 540 2.7 Agree
students performance

3 Teachers refer
students to read 45 105 30 20 200 575 2.9 Agree
Reference books in
the library, to promoter
Academic
Achievement

4 Students do their
assignment with library 35 105 30 20 200 575 3.0 Agree
books
5 Students are
encouraged to carry 38 125 30 7 200 594 3.0 Agree
out their Assignment
through the use of
library, books

From the table 1, item one, with a mean of 2.8 showed that the

respondents agree that equipped library, help students to perform well in

examination.

Item 2 with a mean of 2.7 clearly shows that the respondents

agreed that knowledge gained during break period in the library,

enhances students performance.

Item 3 with a mean of 2.9 shows that the respondents agreed that

teachers refer students to read reference books in library, to promote

academic achievement.

24
In item 4 with a mean of 3.0 shows clearly that the respondents agreed

that students do their assignments with the library, books.

Item 5 with a mean of 3.0 shows that the respondents agree that

students are encouraged to carry out their assignment through the use

of library books. This means that the responses made in item 1 to 5 in

the research Question one was positive.

The total grand mean = 2.9 indicated the use 0f library enhances

students’ performance academically.

Research Question 2
How does the Quality of teachers influence the academic performance
of students?

TABLE 2
Responses showing how the Quality of teachers influences the
academic performance of the students.

Questionnaire
S/N items are SA A D SA N F X REMARK
6 Are teachers’
parts of the 20 148 17 15 200 573 2.9 Agree
physical school
facilities?
7 The teachers
make use of extra
time and this 40 100 40 20 200 560 2.8 Agree
ensures good
academic
achievement
8 Teachers that are
not Question

25
 adopt wrong 35 120 40 5 200 585 2.9 Agree
teaching methods

9 Unqualified
teachers lack 35 95 50 20 200 545 2.7 Agree
teaching skills

10 Teachers that are

not Qualified have
no adequate 22 115 35 28 200 531 2.7 Agree
knowledge of their
subject areas?

From table 6, item one, with mean of 2.9, it could be seen that the

respondents agreed that teachers are parts of the school physical

facilities.

In item 7, with the mean of 2.8 clearly shows that the respondents

agreed that the teachers make use of extra time and this ensure good

academic achievement.

In item 8 with a mean of 2.9 clearly shows that the respondents agreed

that teachers that are not qualified adopt wrong teaching methods.

Item 9, with a mean of 2.7 shows that the respondents agree that

unqualified teacher’s lack teaching skills. Item 10, with a mean of 2.7

strongly shows that the respondents agreed that teachers that are not

qualified have no adequate knowledge of their subject areas? The total

grand mean was 2.79 this means that the quality of teachers in these

26
sampled school have positive influence on the academic performance of

the students.

Research Question 3
How does the equipment in the3 school laboratory affect the academic
achievement of the students?

TABLE 3
Response showing how equipment in the school laboratory affects
the academic achievement of the students.

S/N Questionnaire items S A D SD N F X REMARK

A
11 The science
laboratories in your
school are well
equipped and this 33 95 50 20 200 545 2.8 Agreed
helps to ensure
good performance

12 The equipments
used in the
laboratories are 22 115 35 28 200 531 2.9 Agreed
usually left at the
disposal of students
to ensure good
performance

13 As a result of
students constant 18 139 25 18 200 557 2.9 Agreed
use of laboratories
they perform very
well.

27
14 Sport equipments
provide students
opportunity to 55 99 16 30 200 595 3.0 Agreed
exercise themselves
for their over all
fitness
15 Medical equipments
provide students
with first aid for their 22 115 35 28 200 531 2.5 Agreed
health.

From table 3, item 11, with a mean of 2.8, it could be seen that the

respondents agreed that the science laboratories in their school are well

equipped and this helps to ensure good performance.

Item 12, with a mean of 2.7 show clearly that the respondents agreed

that the equipment used in the laboratories is usually left at the disposal

of students to ensure good performance.

Item 13, with a mean of 2.8 shows that the respondents agreed that as

a result of students’ constant use of laboratories they perform very well.

Item 14, with a mean of 3.0 clearly shows that the respondents agreed

that sports equipments provide students opportunity to exercise

themselves for their overall fitness. Item 15, with a mean of 2.5 shows

that the respondents agreed that medical equipments provide students

with first aid for their health.

The total grand mean was 2.8

28
 Research Question 4
What effect does the available classroom have on the academic

achievement of the students?

TABLE 4
Responses showing the effect of the availability of classrooms
have on the students.

Questionnaire items
S/N SA A D SD N F X REMARK
16 The number of
classroom available in
your school is enough
to ensure good 55 85 35 25 200 570 2.7 Agreed
performance
17 The congestion of
students in the
classrooms affect
adversely their 26 99 40 35 200 516 2.6 Agreed
academic
performance
18 Congestions in the
classrooms cause 30 100 25 45 200 508 2.5 Agreed
poor performances
19 Poor classroom
environment hinders 35 95 50 20 200 545 2.8 Agreed
effective learning
20 Nature of classrooms 45 135 18 12 200 633 3.0 Agreed
influence students
academic work

29
From table 4, item 16 with a mean of 2.7, it could be seen that the

respondents agreed that the number of classroom available in the

school is enough to ensure good performance.

Item 17, with a mean of 2.6 clearly shows that the respondents agreed

that congestions in the classrooms cause poor performances. Item 18,

with a mean of 2.5 shows that the congestion in the classroom causes

poor performances.

Item 18, with a mean of 2.8 shows that the respondents agreed that

poor classroom environment hinder effective learning.

In item 20, with a mean of 3.0 shows that the respondents agreed that

nature of classrooms influence students academic work.

The Total grand mean is 2.6.

30
 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS,

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter is concerned with the discussion of the findings,

educational implications of the findings, limitation of the study,

suggestion for further study and conclusion,

Discussion of Results

How does the use of school library influence the academic

achievement of secondary school students? The answer to this question

was provided in table 1 to 5 of chapter four. The table has five items and

the grand mean of the response was 2.9 which are above the cut of

mark 2.5. The answer is that the use of library enhances students’

performance academically in secondary schools.

31
This agrees with the write up of Mkpa (1987) described library as a

place where books and other reference materials necessary, for the

facilitation of learning are organized and preserved for use by the

teachers and the learners. This is because school library has positive

role facilitating students’ academic achievements as observed by

different research work. School library has been as another good facility

which enhances the growth of academics.

Mkpa (1987) who in his studies stated the following as the uses of

school library.

1. It makes available to the teachers and learners a wide range

reading and learning material that should be used in different

subject area

2. Since teachers and learners can borrow books from it, the

library provides unlimited opportunity for the user to gain

access to materials, which they might be able to buy for

themselves.

3. The teachers can prepare his lesson more effective as he has

the entire source to consult from the library.

4. Learners can cross check the teachers’ ideas and enrich their

knowledge and understanding of the lesson through the private

study which the library provides etc.

32
 Research question two sorts to find out How the quality of

teachers influence the academic performance of students? The

findings on table two of chapter four revealed the answer to this

question in table two with five items, the responses were accepted

by the respondents. A grand mean of 2.8 was obtained, thus

supporting the view that quality of teachers influences the

academic performance of students in secondary schools. Further

more quality of teaching staff is another major human facility that

contributes greatly to the students’ academic performance. This is

made clear by the responses of the respondents in table 2, items 6

to 10 in the questionnaire. This means that the method of teaching

and attitude of the teachers to the students’ nonchalant attitude in

the classroom led to students’ poor performance in their academic

work as observed by the researcher through the interview have

with the teachers in the school.

Research question three sorts to find out How the equipment in

the school laboratory affect the academic achievement of the

students. The findings in table three of chapter four items 11 to 15

provided an answer to the research question above. Table three has

33
five items and the respondents accepted all, a grand mean of 2.8 was

obtained. This revealed that equipment in the laboratories promote

their academic achievement in science subjects. This means that

majority of the teachers in the school believed that practical method

of teaching is the best for science subjects rather than lecture

method. This finding were in relation with Amaefuel (1986) in their

group study of influence of teaching methods on the students

achievement in chemistry concluded that the use of laboratory

methods is the best method in teaching sciences. They

recommended the adoption of laboratory method in teaching science

subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics in the schools. This is

because students’ level of academic achievement is greatly been

influenced by such school facilities as laboratories, poor equipment,

school building work and insufficient science teachers

Research question four sorts to find out the effect on the available

classroom have on the academic achievement of secondary school

students. The answer to the question was provided in table four item,

16 to 20 of chapter four which shows that the respondents agreed

with the assertion that lack of classrooms hinders effective teaching

and learning. The table has five items and the responses to the items

34
were positive, a grand mean of 2.6. It was clear that students’ good

academic achievement was as a result of enough classrooms for

teaching and learning process. The respondents agreed that

congestion of students in the classroom affect adversely their

academic performance because teachers find it difficult to attend to

individual students and students themselves cannot see what was

written on the chalkboard and this was the starting point to failure in

academics. Therefore, for good teaching and learning to take place,

the classrooms must be comfortable and specious for the health of

both the teachers and the students. Also, school building and

furniture are vital elements of teaching and learning event that without

it no school can be named. This is because they all contribute either

favourable or unfavourable to the actual mastery of the subject in the

school. This is supported by the view of Mkpa(1987) writing

development of creating for the availability of sufficient teaching

materials as well as enrich physical learning environment where

learners are free to interact with everything around.

Educational Implication of Finding

35
 It has been accepted that the high academic achievement of the

secondary school students in abakaliki local government area of

Ebonyi state was as a result of inadequate school facilities provided

in school. Education in Nigeria is no more private enterprise, but a

hug government venture that has witnessed a progressive evolution

of governments complete and dynamic intervention and active

participation. Therefore, to develop good and able students in a

particular society in general there is the need to provide all the

facilities that would enhance the academic achievement of the

students; also, teachers’ motivation is necessary so that they will be

loyal and dedicated to their work

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

1. As a result of the importance and nature of this study, a very wide

area of the study and larger sampled would have been the idea for

greater generalization

2. Teachers nonchalant attitude toward answering questionnaire

3. Limited in carrying out the research work coupled with the fact that

the researcher is in his final year had to combine it with normal

class academic work in the school.

36
 As in all human endeavors, this study has it own fair share of short

comments. The researcher was constrained by time and financial

limitations to restrict this study to only one local government area.

Transportation problem and the operative affluence of the

respondents were other limitation. However, these limitations did not

affect the validity of the finding.

Summary

During the study, the researcher raised four research questions to

guide him in carrying out the research work effectively. Also based on

the research questions constructed twenty questionnaire item which

were administered to 200 teachers in abakaliki local government Area

of Ebonyi state drown from 13 public secondary schools. After

successful completion of the questionnaire, the researcher found

through the respondents follows: that lack of school library influence

the academic achievement of secondary school students. That

unqualified teachers influence the academic performance of the

students. That lack of equipment in the school laboratory affects the

37
academic achievement of the students. Lastly lack of school building

affects the academic achievement of the student

Conclusion

This research work is concerned with an investigation into the

extent school facilities has affected students academic achievements.

In this study, four research questionnaires were answered. From the

analysis made, there exist a positive correlation between school

facilities and the students’ academic achievement. The findings in this

study have been based on the data collected from the 13 public

secondary school in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi

state. The answer to the research questions has led to the conclusion

that there is a great influence of school facilities on the academic

achievement of secondary school students. Based on the findings

certain recommendation that would help to enhance academic

achievement of secondary school student was made.

Recommendation

Based on the findings and discussions of this study, the following

recommendation was made.

38
1. Government should equip state secondary school just like federal

secondary so that categorization of choice of school by the parent

and students will come to minimal.

2. Effort should be made by the schools to provide environment that

is conducive to creating development.

3. Government should reduce the boarding fees so that every

student will enjoy all the school facilities provided in their school in

the area of cognitive, effective and psychomotor domains

4. The ministry of education or its agent should take teaching welfare

and problems into consideration especially in their salaries so that

the strike action will stop. Because it affect the academic

performance of the students.

5. Government should take full responsibility of financing education.

This is necessary because of the inability of some parents to

finance their children’s education.

6. Government should provide adequate grant to schools that are not

well equipped so that the students academic achievement will not

varies.

7. Government should ensure that the number of students in a class

does not exceed 1 to 30 students. This is to ensure a better

utilization for a maximum outputs.

39
 Suggestion for Further study

Based on the findings and limitations of the study the following

suggestions are hereby made for further study:

1. A comparative study of influence of school facilities on the

academic achievement of secondary school students in rural area

and urban area.

2. A study should be carried out on non school facilities on the

academic achievement of secondary school students.

3. A comparative study of school facilities between boarding school

and day student

REFERENCES

Amaeduce, A.A Nwn, A. I. and Ekwenibe A. V (1986)

“Influence of Teaching methods on achievement in chemistry and
Attitude to science” (unpublished) B.Sc. (Ed) thesis, Department of
Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Chauhan S.S. (1983) Advanced educational psychology

New Delbil Vikas publishers house PVT Ltd. 5th Edition.

Clinkman, E. (1970) the biology Teachers ban book

New York wiley 2nd edition

Denga, D.J. (1984) why students: Implication for counseling, kalasing

Aja journal of education, Vol. 1 no 1 pp 2-4.

Eresimadu, F.N.J and Nduka G.C (1987) hand book on Educational

Administration, Awka: Mrs-unique (Nig)

Federal Republic of Nigeria National policy on Education 4th edition

40
 (2002) printed and published by NERDC press Yaba Lagos
Nigeria.

Ike R. (1991) choice of school by parents for their word: owerri, Imo
broad casting cooperation News talk.

Mkpa A. M (1987) curriculum Develpoment and Implementation,

Owerri: Totan publisher (Nig Ltd).

Khalil M. (1981) “The librany collection and standard” A paper

Presented at the National Seminar on Nigeria university library
and standard university of maiduguri

Amajiogi A.C. (1976) A study of the problem of teaching chemistry in

post primary school within Nsukka urban Ikwerne Division
(unpublished) Department of Education Nsukka

Ekwegbarri G.O. (1972) the influence of Environment on secondary

school students academic performance (unpublished) B.A. ED
these Department of education, university of Nigeria Nsukka.
Ebuezeme, A.N onwu Asoiawe,MD and Nkata u. (1982)
Availabilty of Audio visual Material for teaching science in
secondary schools in Nsukka urban(Unpublished) thesis
Department of education, university of Nigeria Nsukka.

Nwana O.C.(1982) Educational measurement for teachers, Lagos:

thoms nelson Nig (ltd).

Obi S.D (1977) Amunula for school libraries on small budgets ibadan:
Oxford University press.

Onwuka Uga, (1985) Curriculum Development for Africa onitsha:

African publisher (Nig ltd).

Ubabekwe, E. (1979) The teaching of English studies, Ibadan:

University press.

Oge, K.A.A. (1979) Quality of staff and equipment as variables in

Organizing sixth form Biology practical (unpublished) thesis,
Department of education university of Nigeria, Nsukka.

41
Udo V.M. (1985) “The need for the school libraries for the successful
Implementation of the 6-3-3-4. A paper presented at the national
seminar on the implementation of 6-3-3-4. Amadu Bello University
Zaria.

APPENDIX 1

QUESTIONNAIRE

Department of educational foundation

(Guidance and counseling)
Faculty of Education
Ebonyi State University
P.O.Box 053,
Abakaliki

Dear Respondents,

REQUEST FOR COMPLETION OF QUESTIONNAIRE

I am a final year student of the above university conducting a

research project on influence of school facilities on academic

42
achievement of secondary school students in Abakaliki Local

Government Area of Ebonyi state.

Please, kindly answer the following Questions for the researcher to

enable him gather data for the study. Your response will be treated in

stick confidence as the exercise is only for academic purpose.

Thanks for your co-operation.

Yours faithfully,

NWIBOKO COLLINUS.

QUESTIONNARIE FOR TEACHERS

SECTION A; PERSONAL DATA

Name of School:

Name of Respondent (optional):

Qualification:

Sex:

Post held:

SECTION B:

43
 INSTRUCTION: Respondents are kindly asked to approach each items

by ticking good in one of the following boxes provided below.

Tick on the one that suits you Option

SA-Strongly agree, A-Agree, D-Disagree, SD -Strongly Disagree.

RESEARCH QUESTION 1

How does school library influence the academic achievement of

secondary school students?

ITEMS RESPONSES
AS A D SD
1. Equipped library help students to perform
will in examination?
2. Knowledge gained during break periods in
library enhances students’ performance?
3. Teachers refer students to read reference
books in the library to promote academic
achievement?
4. Students do their assignment with the library
books?
5. Students are encouraged to carry out their
assignment of through the use of library
books?

RESEARCH QUESTION 2:
How does the quality of teachers influence the academic
performance of students?

44
 ITEM RESPONSES
AS A D SD
6 Are teachers’ parts of the physical school

facilities?
7. The teachers make use of extra time and
this ensures good academic achievement?
8. Teachers that are not qualified adopt wrong
teaching methods?
9. Unqualified teachers lack teaching skills?

10. Teachers that are not qualified have no

adequate knowledge of their subject areas?

RESEARCH QUESTION 3:
How does the equipment in the school laboratory affect the academic
achievement of the students?

ITEM RESPONSES
AS A D SD
11. The science laboratories in your school are
well equipped and this helps to insure good
performance?
12. The equipment used in the laboratories are
usually left at the disposal of students insure
good performance
13. As a result of students’ constant use of

laboratories, they perform very well.

14. Sports equipment provide students

45
 opportunity to exercise themselves for their

over all fitness

15. Medical equipments provide students with

first aid for their health.

RESEARCH QUESTION 4:
What effect does the available classrooms have on the academic
achievement of the students?
ITEM RESPONSES
AS A D SD
16 The number of classroom available in your
school is enough to help ensure good
performance
17 The congestion of students in the classroom
affects adversely their academic
performance.
18 Congestion in the classroom cause poor
performances.
19 Poor classroom environment hinders
effective learning.
20 Nature of classroom influence students
academic work

46