IMPACT OF POLICY CHANGES ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ige, Nelson Adewole (PhD) & Omorotimi Odu
ABSTRACT
In Nigeria’s dynamic education system, neglecting necessary policy changes in secondary education poses significant risks to academic achievement, especially in metropolitan areas like Lagos State. To address this challenges, this study investigates the impact of policy changes on the academic achievement of secondary school students in Lagos. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire, the “Policy Changes and Students’ Academic Achievement Questionnaire (PCSAAQ),” which was validated for content and face validity, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.834 through Cronbach’s alpha. A survey methodology was employed, gathering responses from 120 teachers across three Local Government Areas (Ojo, Badagry, and Agege) selected via simple random sampling. The research explored two hypotheses: the relationship between recent policy changes and academic achievement, and the effectiveness of existing education policies based on gender. Analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistical methods at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed a significant relationship between recent policy changes and improved academic achievement among students. However, existing education policies did not significantly enhance learning outcomes based on gender, indicating a need for targeted interventions. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation of educational policies to promote equitable learning opportunities for all students. The researchers recommended that there is need to foster collaboration among key stakeholders, including government bodies, educators, parents, and community organizations, to create a supportive environment that enhances the effectiveness of educational policies
Keywords: Policy changes, Academic achievement, Students, Secondary schools, Lagos State
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