THE IMPACT OF STUDENT -TEACHER RATIO ON STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AKUNGBA AKOKO

Education is a fundamental driver of personal and societal development. Education plays a vital role in the development of individuals and societies. Many scholars have defined education to mean many things, however, it’s important to know that education is progressive, it is the core hope of every society. Quality education has multiple benefits as higher levels of academic achievement is associated with higher earnings and economic mobility, better health, lower mortality rates, and greater participation in the leadership process in one’s immediate and the global community. The number of students assigned to one teacher in a classroom setting is known as the student-teacher ratio, and it is one of the key factors that affect how effectively education is delivered. In public secondary schools, where resources are frequently scarce, knowing how this ratio affects students' academic performance is crucial for educational planning and policy formulation. The student-teacher ratio is a key indicator of the quality of education; when it is low, teachers can give each student more individualized attention, better assess their academic needs, and modify instruction to improve learning outcomes; on the other hand, a high ratio can lead to overcrowded classrooms, decreased teacher engagement, and academic support (Afolabi, F. (2013).