School Services as Predictors of Students’ Academic Achievements in Secondary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

School services remain vital services that are needed for achieving the aims and objectives of education. It has been said that the provision of these services is key to the effective implementation of school programmes. It is on this premise that this study examines school services as predictors of students’ academic achievement in secondary schools. The study population consists of all students in senior secondary schools in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State. Quota and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select 372 students in 10 secondary schools. An instrument tagged “School Services Questionnaire” (SSQ) was adapted from previous studies to collect data. Also, results in five subjects were collected to measure students’ academic achievements. Findings of the study revealed the existence of a nexus between health services and academic performance, guidance and counseling services and academic achievements, and library services and academic achievements. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the importance of school services cannot be underestimated, hence the need for these services in schools so that the goals and objectives of secondary education can be achieved. It was recommended that adequate and quality school services should be provided as they may enhance students’ academic achievements. A substantial budgetary allocation should be voted for the availability of various services in schools.

KEYWORDS:  Library Services, Health Services, Guidance and Counselling Services, Academic Achievements