ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABUJA METROPOLIS

1.1 Background of the Study Parents play a significant role in shaping the development and success of their children. This influence stems from the authority and experience they bring to guiding and nurturing their children into inspired, motivated, and emotionally intelligent individuals through their active participation in educational activities. On the other hand, when parents fail to engage in their children’s learning journey, they may unintentionally contribute to low morale and reduced motivation, which can negatively affect the academic performance of their children (Mugumya, Ntale & Nkata, 2022). Njoroge and Nyabuto (2019) describe parental involvement as a combination of attitudes, behaviours, parenting styles, and experiences—both within and outside the school environment—that contribute to children’s academic and behavioural progress. A parent's engagement in their child's educational experience significantly enhances various dimensions of their development, such as academic performance, behaviour, motivation, and general growth. According to Presley and Roe (2017), students whose parents are actively involved in their academic pursuits tend to attend school regularly, exhibit better behaviour, perform well academically from early education through to secondary school, pursue further education, and demonstrate a strong commitment to learning. Parental involvement sends a clear and powerful message to children, affirming the value of education and demonstrating their parents’ interest and investment in their academic journey. When parents support their children both at home and in school, it strengthens the child’s confidence and reinforces the importance of academic achievement. Additionally, factors such as a family’s financial status and the educational aspirations of parents can significantly impact their children's academic experiences. In the current educational climate, student academic performance remains a central concern, with increasing pressure on both educators and parents to support learning outcomes. Research has consistently indicated that parental engagement positively influences student achievement. Specifically, aspects such as parents’ attitudes, encouragement, support, and dedication are critical to academic success (Lee & Bowen, 2016; Yan & Lin, 2015). Lee and Bowen (2016) emphasized that while parental involvement is essential for all children, its manifestation can differ based on factors like ethnicity, educational background, socio-economic status, and family dynamics. In today’s society, many parents face numerous obstacles that limit their capacity to effectively support their children’s education. These challenges include limited time due to work commitments, financial constraints, the nature of their jobs, their own educational levels, and their availability or responsiveness to school-related activities. When these conditions are not adequately addressed, students may struggle academically due to a lack of the necessary support. Poor parental involvement often leads to diminished academic outcomes (Lee & Bowen, 2016). In view of these concerns, this study aims to explore the influence of parental involvement on the academic achievement of junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Parental involvement—characterized by how parents attend to their children’s educational needs, offer support, and respond to their academic interests—plays a significant role in shaping students’ academic performance and attitudes toward school. In Nigeria’s secondary school system, one of the ongoing challenges is the low level of parental engagement in efforts to improve students' academic outcomes. Despite its recognized importance, many parents feel ill-equipped or lack sufficient knowledge about educational strategies and how to contribute meaningfully to their children’s academic journey (Yang, Zhang & Chen, 2023). Various strategies have been implemented globally to encourage greater parental participation in school-related activities. However, studies that specifically examine the impact of parental involvement on the academic performance of senior secondary school students remain limited. Research by Abdul-El-Fattah (2015) found that increased parental participation not only supports students’ academic progress but also positively influences their attitudes, behaviour, and even the attitudes of their teachers. When parental support is lacking, students are more vulnerable to poor academic achievement, low self-esteem, and behavioural issues, including depression and misconduct (Ndebele, 2015). Given the weight of these challenges, there is a clear need for empirical research to determine how parental involvement affects students’ academic performance, particularly within the Nigerian context. Accordingly, this study seeks to examine the influence of parental involvement on academic achievement among junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The Impact of Parental Involvement on the Academic Achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.3.1 General Objective The general objective of the study is to investigate the Impact of Parental Involvement on the Academic Achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.3.2 Specific Objectives The specific objectives of the study is as follows i. Investigate the impact of parental support in improving the study habit and academic motivation of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. ii. Investigate the impact of commitment and active participation of parents in the school matters on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis. iii. Investigate the impact of parents understanding and engagement with the academic needs of their children on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis. iv. Investigate the impact of parental assistance with home assignments on the academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i. What is the impact of parental support in improving the study habit and academic motivation of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria? ii. What is the impact of commitment and active participation of parents in the school matters on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis? iii. What is the impact of parents understanding and engagement with the academic needs of their children on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis? iv. What is the impact of parental assistance with home assignments on the academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis? 1.5 Research Hypotheses The stated hypotheses have been formulated to guide the study H0: Parental involvement does not have an influence on the academic achievement of junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. Ha: Parental involvement does have an influence on the academic achievement of junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.6 Significance of the Study The findings of this research can help policymakers, school administrators, and educators in Abuja and beyond to design strategies that promote active parental participation in their children's academic life. Understanding the impact of parental involvement may lead to improved policies in schools aimed at fostering parent-school collaboration. In addition, the study will empower parents by identifying key involvement strategies that positively impact their children's academic achievement. It will also inform parents of the importance of their roles in their children’s education and the specific actions they can take to support academic success. Furthermore, the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study focus on the influence of parental involvement on academic achievement of junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. Empirically, the study will investigate the impact of parental support in improving the study habit and academic motivation of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria, investigate the impact of commitment and active participation of parents in the school matters on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, investigate the impact of parents understanding and engagement with the academic needs of their children on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis and investigate the impact of parental assistance with home assignments on the academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis. Geographically, the study is delimited to selected junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.8 Limitations Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study. 1.9 Definition of Terms Parental Involvement: The active engagement and participation of parents in their children's educational processes, including activities such as assisting with homework, attending school events, and fostering a supportive learning environment at home. Academic Achievement: The measurable performance of students in their educational pursuits, often evaluated through grades, test scores, and other assessments that reflect their understanding and mastery of subject matter. Junior Secondary School: In the Nigerian education system, this refers to the schooling phase for students aged 12 to 14, typically encompassing grades 7 through 9, and serving as a transition between primary education and senior secondary school. Socioeconomic Status: The social and economic standing of an individual or family, often determined by factors such as income level, education, and occupation, which can influence access to resources and opportunities. Educational Policy: The set of rules, regulations, and guidelines formulated by educational authorities to govern the operation and objectives of educational institutions. Parent-Teacher Collaboration: The cooperative relationship between parents and educators aimed at enhancing students' learning experiences and outcomes through effective communication and partnership. Student Motivation: The internal drive or external stimuli that inspire students to engage with their studies and strive for academic success. Learning Environment: The physical and psychological conditions in which learning occurs, including factors like classroom settings, teaching methods, and available resources. Educational Inequality: The disparities in access to quality education and academic opportunities, often influenced by socioeconomic factors, leading to varying educational outcomes among different groups.