THE EFFECTS OF TEACHERS QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTITUDES ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF CHEMISTRY STUDENTS EXTERNAL EXAMINATION IN KANO STATE METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of teachers’ qualifications and attitudes on the academic performance of chemistry students’ external examination in Kano State Metropolis. Descriptive research survey was employed in the study. The research selected nine (9) secondary schools under the study area. A sample of 310 students and 10 teachers was recommended as research respondents, and they were selected through random sampling techniques from the nine (9) sampled secondary schools within Metropolitan Kano. The study used questionnaire as data collection instrument. The data collected were analysed using frequency and simple percentage. The result shows that hiring and continuously training well-qualified Chemistry teachers through subject specialization and professional development is essential for improving teaching quality and student achievement; the results suggest that Chemistry teachers' enthusiasm, commitment, patience, and encouragement are crucial in boosting student motivation and academic performance, emphasizing the need for professional development programs to foster positive teaching attitudes; the findings emphasize the need for better resources, smaller class sizes, and continuous teacher training, suggesting that addressing these challenges could significantly improve Chemistry education and student performance; and the study concludes that the need for continuous training, professional development, and motivational strategies, suggesting that a combination of mentorship, targeted incentives, and professional development could significantly enhance Chemistry teaching and improve student performance. Researchers recommends among the following that educational authorities should prioritize hiring well-qualified Chemistry teachers and provide opportunities for continuous training and specialization in the subject; professional development programs should emphasize the importance of teachers’ enthusiasm, commitment, patience, and encouragement in the classroom. Teachers should be encouraged to adopt a positive and motivational approach to teaching, as this has been shown to significantly improve student motivation and academic performance.