INFLUENCE OF SINGLE PARENTHOOD ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN DAMATURU METROPOLIS, YOBE STATE NIGERIA

This study investigated the influence of single parenthood on the academic performance of pupils in public primary schools in Damaturu Metropolis, Yobe State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the growing prevalence of single-parent families and the need to understand its implications for children’s educational outcomes. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected through questionnaires administered to teachers, pupils, and parents in selected public primary schools within the metropolis. The study examined the relationship between single parenthood and pupils’ academic performance, considering factors such as parental involvement, socio-economic status, and emotional support. Findings revealed that single parenthood significantly affects pupils’ academic performance, often leading to lower academic achievement compared to pupils from two-parent families. Contributing factors identified include financial constraints, limited parental supervision, and psychological stress experienced by pupils from single-parent homes. However, the study also noted that with adequate support and motivation, some pupils from single-parent families performed competitively with their peers. The study concluded that single parenthood poses challenges to pupils’ academic success but that these challenges can be mitigated through targeted interventions. Recommendations include enhanced parental engagement, provision of psychosocial support for pupils, and government policies aimed at supporting single-parent families to ensure better educational outcomes.