ASSESMENT OF AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS IN TEACHING AND LEARNING OF BIOLOGY IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF BIRNIN KEBBI METROPOLIS. KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA.

This study examined the assessment of availability and utilization of instructional materials in the teaching and learning of Biology in public senior secondary schools within Birnin Kebbi Metropolis, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the extent to which instructional materials are available, the level of their utilization by Biology teachers, and the effect of these materials on students’ academic performance. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and the population comprised Biology teachers and senior secondary school students from selected public schools. A structured questionnaire served as the main instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. Findings revealed that while some instructional materials such as textbooks and charts were moderately available, essential resources like laboratory equipment, models, specimens, and multimedia aids were grossly inadequate. The study further discovered that most Biology teachers rarely used available instructional materials effectively due to factors such as large class sizes, poor funding, lack of training, and inadequate laboratory facilities. Consequently, the low level of utilization negatively impacted students’ comprehension and interest in Biology. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government and school management should provide adequate instructional materials, organize regular workshops for teachers on effective material utilization, and ensure proper maintenance of existing facilities. These measures would enhance the teaching and learning of Biology, improve students’ academic performance, and promote scientific literacy among learners in Kebbi State.