EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN JOS-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract This study investigated the Effects of Physical Environment on Academic Performance of Students with Physical impairment in Public Secondary Schools in Jos North Local Government Area. The research design employed in this study was cross-sectional survey design. The population of the study was made of 1 64 students with physical impairment. The sample of the study were 30 students with physical impairment in the 6 public secondary schools. The sampling technique for this study was purposive sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a self-made structured questionnaire consisting of 18 items. Mean score statistic was used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that equipment and facilities such as switch user and power lift is or ramps, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and artificial limbs (handor leg) were not available for use by students with physical impairment in public secondary schools. The findings showed that students with physical impairment faced challenges such as negative attitudes, insufficient capital and resources, lack of adaptive sports facilities, poor motor skills and physical challenges in the school environment, such as climbing steps and opening heavy doors. The results of effect of physical impairment on academic performance showed that it limited information access, impacted concentration, lowered performance, hampered class participation, and significantly affected general academic performance. The findings showed potential solutions to address the challenges faced by students with physical impairment in public secondary schools such as making classes accessible, provision of learning materials, removal of negative teacher attitudes. It was recommended among others that, public secondary schools should conduct comprehensive accessibility audits of their premises, identifying areas that require improvement to ensure physical access for students with physical impairments. All public secondary schools should invest in a range of assistive technologies and provide learning materials in formats that are accessible to students with physical impairments.