THE ROLE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT FOR ENHANCING LITERACY SKILLS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS’ IN MUNICIPAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OF KANO STATE

Parental involvement plays a vital role in improving the literacy skills of primary school pupils. This study examined the role of parental involvement in enhancing literacy skills among pupils in selected private and government primary schools within the Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State. The study was motivated by the persistent low literacy levels among primary school pupils despite the recognized importance of reading, writing, and comprehension skills in academic development. The study sought to assess the current level of parental involvement, identify the activities parents engage in to support literacy development, examine the impact of such involvement on pupils’ literacy skills, identify barriers to effective parental participation, and explore possible strategies for improving parental engagement. The study was guided by five research questions relating to these objectives. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from parents, teachers, and pupils in selected primary schools through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed that parental involvement positively influences pupils’ literacy development, especially through activities such as helping with homework, reading with children, attending school meetings, and creating a supportive learning environment at home. However, the study also found that many parents face challenges such as low literacy levels, lack of awareness, financial difficulties, and limited time, which reduce their ability to participate actively in their children’s education. The study concluded that effective parental involvement is essential for improving literacy skills among primary school pupils. It recommended that schools, government agencies, and community leaders should create awareness programs, organize parent education initiatives, and provide support systems that encourage greater parental participation in children’s learning.