ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AS A DETERMINANT OF STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN AKOKO NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ONDO STATE

This study investigated environmental factors as determinants of students’ academic performance in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State. The research examined critical aspects such as the availability, utilization, and maintenance of school resources, as well as teachers’ productivity, to determine their collective impact on students’ academic achievement. A descriptive survey research design was employed, with a total of 128 participants consisting of teachers and principals drawn from selected public and private secondary schools through simple random sampling. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and analyzed using mean scores, t-tests, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that while school resources were moderately available, utilized, and maintained, disparities existed between public and private schools, often favoring the latter. Results further indicated that teachers’ productivity was significantly influenced by the adequacy and effective use of resources (β = 0.302, p < 0.05), with positive and statistically significant correlations observed between environmental factors and students’ academic performance. The study concluded that environmental conditions are critical to students’ educational outcomes, and neglecting these factors could hinder effective learning. It was therefore recommended that stakeholders prioritize improved resource provision, regular facility maintenance, enhanced teacher training, and equitable support across school types to promote sustainable student academic success.