PARENTAL MARITAL INSTABILITY AS A DETERMINANT OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study examined parental marital instability as a determinant of academic performance among secondary school students in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by concerns about persistent low academic performance and the possible influence of family-related factors, particularly parental marital instability manifested through marital conflict, divorce and other disruptions in family relationships. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised senior secondary school students in Ilorin Metropolis, from which 200 respondents were selected from public and private secondary schools using simple random sampling. A questionnaire was used for data collection and validated by experts. Pilot testing established a reliability coefficient of 0.70. The findings revealed that parental marital instability significantly affects students’ academic performance. Significant differences were also found in its influence on students’ academic performance based on gender and school type. The study concluded that parental marital instability can distract students from their studies and create financial and emotional challenges that may affect educational outcomes. It was recommended that government, religious organisations, and non-governmental organisations organise regular marriage counselling and parenting seminars