A STUDY ON HOW PARENTAL TRANSFERS IMPACT THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN OGUN STATE

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Education is universally recognized as one of the most valuable gifts parents can give to their children, regardless of where they live. To compare investing in a child's education to something else is to misunderstand its importance—just as it would be impossible for a virgin to give birth without the necessary conditions, a child cannot reach their full potential without proper education. Education is fundamental not only to a child's personal growth but also to the progress of communities and nations as a whole. Several factors influence how well students perform academically, including family environment, school conditions, socioeconomic status, and the mobility of the family. One area of particular interest is the effect of parental job transfers, which often force families to relocate, on children’s educational outcomes. Parental transfer refers to situations where one or both parents move to a different location due to work assignments or personal reasons. Such moves frequently disrupt family stability and impact children's schooling. The effect of moving can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, relocation might expose students to new learning environments, cultures, and educational systems, broadening their experiences and knowledge (Smith, 2020). Conversely, moving often causes significant disruption. Research has shown that frequent moves correlate with poorer academic performance, emotional difficulties, and struggles in adapting to new schools (Hayden, 2018). For example, children of parents who move often may find it hard to form lasting friendships, which are crucial for emotional support and consistent learning. The emotional and psychological challenges related to moving are among the key factors affecting students’ academic success. When families relocate, children often leave behind familiar settings such as friends, teachers, and routines, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and frustration. McCarthy and Jones (2019) found that children experiencing high mobility tend to suffer from increased anxiety and depression, negatively impacting their cognitive and emotional functioning at school. Additionally, the stress of adjusting to a new curriculum—especially if it differs significantly from what they are used to—can cause students to fall behind academically. Parental transfers also influence students’ social adjustment. Friendships and peer relationships provide important emotional support, especially for adolescents. Frequent moves disrupt these bonds, which may reduce students' ability to focus and perform well in school. It often takes time for students to integrate into new social groups, during which academic achievement may decline. Furthermore, many students face difficulties in adjusting to a new school environment due to the lack of established support networks, which can hinder their overall educational success (Williams, 2021). Another important issue concerns the continuity of education. Moving between schools can create learning gaps because of differences in curriculum content or academic calendars. Students transferring between different educational systems may encounter unfamiliar courses, grading methods, and teaching approaches, which can be confusing and require adjustment (Khan, 2020). Without adequate support from the new school to bridge these gaps, academic performance can suffer. Parental involvement plays a crucial role in a child's academic success. However, frequent relocations may limit parents' ability to consistently support their children's education. The stress and demands associated with job changes and moving can reduce parental engagement. According to Green (2019), students with parents who relocate often report feeling less parental involvement in their schooling, which negatively affects their motivation and performance in class. Given these concerns, this study aims to explore the effects of parental transfers on the academic performance of students in Rivers State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Frequent moves by parents, often linked to job transfers, have been identified as a significant factor that negatively affects children’s academic achievements. Students who frequently change schools face emotional, social, and intellectual challenges that hinder consistent academic progress. Although education is essential for a child’s overall development, being uprooted and required to adjust to new schools can create problems that threaten academic success. Key issues include emotional distress from losing established social connections, difficulties adapting to new academic programs, and inconsistent institutional support that may leave students struggling. Moreover, students in these situations often experience social isolation, which can lead to reduced classroom participation, lower self-esteem, and decreased academic motivation. Although schools may attempt to support transferring students, variations in how institutions respond to such cases complicate the problem. Despite the crucial role of stability in academic achievement, the issue of parental transfers and their impact on students’ performance has not received sufficient attention in educational policy. Therefore, this study intends to investigate the effects of parental transfers on the academic outcomes of learners in Ogun State. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The broad aim of this study is to investigate how parental transfers affect the academic performance of students in Ogun State. The specific objectives include: i. To examine the influence of the type of parents’ employment on students’ academic performance. ii. To identify the reasons behind parental transfers. iii. To analyze the impact of parental transfers on students’ academic achievement. iv. To explore the challenges students face after transferring to new schools due to parental relocation. 1.4 Research Questions This study seeks to answer the following questions: i. To what extent does the type of parents’ employment influence students’ academic performance? ii. What are the factors responsible for parental transfers? iii. What is the impact of parental transfers on students’ academic performance? iv. What challenges do students face after moving to a new school because of parental transfer? 1.5 Significance of the Study This research will be valuable to parents and guardians by shedding light on the emotional and academic difficulties children may experience due to frequent relocations. Such insights will help parents make better-informed decisions about their careers and moves, while also encouraging them to provide more support to their children during transitions. Additionally, this study will contribute to the academic community by adding to existing literature, enriching library resources, and serving as a reference for future researchers. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study focuses specifically on the effects of parental transfers on the academic performance of students in Rivers State. It will investigate the influence of parents’ job types on academic outcomes, explore reasons behind transfers, assess the impact of such transfers on student achievement, and identify challenges learners face after moving to new schools. Geographically, the study is limited to Ogun State. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with any research, this study encountered certain limitations. Limited funding posed challenges in accessing all relevant materials and in collecting data via the internet, questionnaires, and interviews, which led the researcher to work with a moderate sample size. Additionally, the researcher had to balance this study alongside other academic responsibilities, which limited the time available for research. 1.8 Definition of Terms Parent: A person's father or mother. Transfer: Moving from one location to another. Academic performance: A measure of a student’s achievement across different subjects. Learner: An individual who is studying or acquiring a skill.