SCHOOL FACILITIES AVAILABILITY AND GIRL CHILD RETENTION IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN JOS NORTH

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Education is widely recognized as a critical tool for the socio-economic advancement of individuals and nations. In Nigeria, education has been identified as a key strategy for fostering national development, enhancing the quality of life, and empowering individuals, especially the girl child, to contribute meaningfully to society (UNESCO, 2017). Despite the efforts of various governmental and non-governmental organizations, the education sector in Nigeria continues to face numerous challenges, particularly in relation to the retention of the girl child in school. One of the major factors contributing to low retention rates among girls in secondary schools is the inadequacy of school facilities (Ede & Makinde, 2019).

School facilities, which include classrooms, laboratories, libraries, toilets, and water supply, are essential in creating a conducive learning environment. Research shows that the availability and adequacy of school facilities significantly influence students’ academic performance, attendance, and retention (Owoeye & Yara, 2014). For girls, particularly in rural areas, the presence or absence of facilities such as separate toilets, sanitary supplies, and water can affect their school attendance and overall educational experience (Kazianga et al., 2017). Inadequate school facilities contribute to poor academic outcomes and heightened dropout rates, especially among girls who often face additional social and cultural barriers to education.

In Jos North, Plateau State, the situation is no different. Public senior secondary schools in this region face significant challenges in terms of the availability of basic facilities. Studies have shown that the lack of adequate school infrastructure, especially gender-sensitive facilities, discourages the retention of girls in schools (Ademola & Adebola, 2018). In communities where traditional views about the role of women prevail, girls are often expected to prioritize domestic responsibilities over education, leading to a higher dropout rate compared to boys (Ibrahim & Akomolafe, 2020). The lack of school facilities only exacerbates this problem, making it more difficult for girls to stay in school and complete their education.

Moreover, government policies aimed at improving girl child education, such as the Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme, have been less effective in addressing the infrastructural needs of schools. Many schools in Jos North are ill-equipped to meet the needs of female students, thereby contributing to the low retention rates (Aina & Ayo, 2021). School infrastructure is a key component of the learning environment, and its inadequacy can have long-term implications for students’ motivation, self-esteem, and academic achievement (Usman, 2016). In this context, the availability of adequate school facilities is crucial in ensuring that girls not only enroll in school but remain there until they complete their secondary education.

The importance of girl child education cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that educating girls leads to a ripple effect on the broader society, as educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, contribute to the economy, and ensure better health and educational outcomes for their children (World Bank, 2018). Therefore, addressing the factors that impede girl child retention in schools, particularly the availability of adequate school facilities, is essential for achieving gender parity in education and promoting sustainable development.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The retention of girls in secondary schools remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, particularly in regions like Jos North. Although various interventions have been implemented to promote girl child education, the availability and adequacy of school facilities continue to hinder progress. Public senior secondary schools in Jos North face severe infrastructural deficits, with limited access to basic amenities such as classrooms, toilets, libraries, and water supply. This has created a challenging learning environment that disproportionately affects girls, who require gender-sensitive facilities to remain in school (Audu et al., 2020).

Despite the recognized importance of these facilities, there is limited empirical research on how the lack of school facilities affects the retention of girls in public senior secondary schools in Jos North. Existing studies have largely focused on general educational challenges in Nigeria without a specific focus on gender and infrastructural issues (Eze & Nwankwo, 2019). The gap in the literature, coupled with the persistent low retention rates among girls in Jos North, underscores the need for this study. Understanding the relationship between school facilities and girl child retention is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes in the region.

 

1.3 Research Questions

1. To what extent are school facilities available in public senior secondary schools in Jos North?

2. How does the availability of school facilities influence girl child retention in public senior secondary schools in Jos North?

3. What are the challenges faced by public senior secondary schools in providing adequate facilities for girls in Jos North?

 

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1. To assess the availability of school facilities in public senior secondary schools in Jos North.

2. To examine the influence of school facilities on girl child retention in public senior secondary schools in Jos North.

3. To identify the challenges faced by public senior secondary schools in providing adequate facilities for girls in Jos North.

 

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant relationship between the availability of school facilities and girl child retention in public senior secondary schools in Jos North.

H0: The availability of gender-sensitive facilities does not significantly influence girl child retention in public senior secondary schools in Jos North.

H0: Public senior secondary schools in Jos North do not face significant challenges in providing adequate facilities for girls.

 

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will provide valuable insights into the role of school facilities in promoting the retention of girls in public senior secondary schools in Jos North. By identifying the infrastructural challenges faced by these schools, the study will inform policymakers, educators, and stakeholders about the critical need for investment in school facilities. Additionally, the study will contribute to the existing literature on girl child education by providing empirical evidence on the relationship between school infrastructure and retention rates in Nigeria. The findings may also be used to advocate for the development of gender-sensitive facilities in schools, ultimately improving the educational outcomes of girls in the region.

 

1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study is confined to public senior secondary schools in Jos North, Plateau State. It will focus on the availability and adequacy of school facilities and their impact on girl child retention. The study will not cover private schools or other educational levels such as primary or junior secondary schools. Additionally, while the study will consider various school facilities, it will place particular emphasis on gender-sensitive facilities such as separate toilets, sanitary provisions, and water supply.

 

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

School Facilities: Physical structures and resources available in a school, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, toilets, and water supply, which are necessary for providing a conducive learning environment.

Girl Child Retention: The ability of a school to ensure that female students remain enrolled and complete their education without dropping out.

Public Senior Secondary Schools: Government-funded schools that provide secondary education to students typically aged 15–18 years.

Gender-Sensitive Facilities: School facilities that are designed to meet the specific needs of female students, including separate toilets and access to sanitary materials.