INVESTIGATION OF CURRENT SOCIO-ECONOMICS FACTORS INFLUENCING RETENTION AND ATTITUDE OF CHEMISTRY STUDENTS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL II IN UNGOGO L.G.A, KANO.

Education is a critical driver of socio-economic development, and science education in particular, serves as the backbone of technological and industrial advancements in any society. This study investigates the socio-economic factors influencing the retention and attitudes of Senior Secondary School II (SSS II) Chemistry students in Ungogo Local Government Area (LGA), Kano State, Nigeria. Guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (1986), the research examines how parental income, educational background, resource availability, and school environments shape students' engagement with Chemistry. A survey design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires from 273 students across five public schools. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses, focusing on four key research questions. Findings reveal significant socioeconomic barriers: 72.2% of students cited financial constraints limiting access to learning materials, while 74.1% highlighted inadequate laboratories and textbooks as detrimental to interest. Parental education and income emerged as critical motivators, with 68.4% linking higher parental education to positive attitudes. Additionally, 66.5% emphasized the role of supportive teacher-student relationships and interactive teaching methods in enhancing retention. Conversely, household responsibilities and economic strain diverted focus for 73.4% of respondents, exacerbating disengagement. The study concluded that socio-economic disparities, resource shortages, and institutional inadequacies collectively hinder Chemistry education in Ungogo LGA. The findings underscore the need for holistic policies addressing both systemic and individual challenges to promote retention and positive attitudes toward Chemistry among secondary school students. Keywords: Socio-economic factors, Chemistry education, Student retention, Attitudes, Ungogo LGA, Nigeria.