TITTLE PAGE

IMPACT OF SINGLE PARENTING ON SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN BIOLOGY AT G.G.S.S TARAUNIN KUDU

BY
SAUDAT NAFIU IDRIS
SUG/16/BIO/00147

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES,

SA’ADATU RIMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION KUMBOTSO, KANO (PROGRAMME
AFFILIATED TO BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO) IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR DEGREE IN BIOLOGY
BSC (ED) BIOLOGY

NOVEMBER, 2022

i
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this research project is my own original work under the supervision of Umar Usman
Zango PhD Titled, : “Impact of single parenting on senior secondary school student academic
performance in biology at G.G.S.S Taraunin Kudu, and that no other research project of this nature has
been written and presented in any form, anywhere for other degree or non-degree requirements to the best
of my knowledge. All materials used in the report have been duly acknowledged.

Signature and Date______________________________________

SAUDAT NAFIU IDRIS
SUG/16/BIO/00147

i
 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that, the research work for this project has been read and submitted to the
Department of Education, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, project by SAUDAT NAFIU
IDRIS SUG/16/BIO/00147 which carried out under the supervision of Umar Usman Zango PhD.

_____________________________________
SAUDAT NAFIU IDRIS
SUG/16/BIO/00147

ii
 APPROVAL PAGE

This project titled ". Impact of single parenting on senior secondary school student academic
performance in biology at G.G.S.S Taraunin Kudu” Has been read and approved for the
requirements for the award of Bachelor of Science Education in Biology (B. Sc Ed Biology).

Dr.Umar Usman Zango

Project Supervisor Signature Date

Dr. Maryam A. Yaro

Head of Department Signature Date

Dr. Salisu Gwadabe

Project Coordinator Signature Date

Dr Halima Ibrahim Mukhtar

Dean, School of Undergraduate Studies Signature Date

External Examiner
Signature Date

iii
 DEDICATION

This project is dedicated to my late father Alhaji Nafiu Idris Jakadan Daura.

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

All praise be to Allah, the ever living, the creator of heaven and earth. Peace and blessing of
Almighty Allah be upon his messenger Muhammad (S.A.W), his house hold, companions and all
those who follow the right path till the last day.
It is necessary for me also to express my appreciation to my supervisor in person of Umar Usman
Zango PhD for checking and making corrections in my practical project as well as giving me
some advice on how to succeed in life generally, May Allah reward her abundantly.
Similarly, I wish to express my appreciation to the contributions given by my parent, family, and
relative to the success of my study, may Allah reward them abundantly.
Finally, I wish to thanks all the teachers/ staffs of Biology department for their immense help,
contribution and encouragement to the success of my study.

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 ABSTRACT

The study investigates the impact of Single Parenting on Secondary School Students Academic
Performance in Biology at G.G.S.S Tarauni Kudu, Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano
State. The study was guided by four specific objectives which were translated into research
questions. Literatures related to the study were reviewed accordingly. The descriptive survey
design was adopted in the study. 100 respondents mainly teachers in one (1) public secondary
schools in Tarauni Local Government Area were selected for the study sample. Data were
collected through questionnaire and analyzed using the mean score method of data analysis.
The findings of this study revealed that: pupils of single parentage perform lower in academic
activities in the school. It was also indicated that students of single parenting are habitual late
comers to school and that students of single parenting engage in deviant behaviors in the
school. However, the result of the study indicated that counseling, supporting and encouraging
distressed families show love to their children were the solutions to the negative effect of single
parenting on the pupil’s academic performance in secondary school. Based on these findings, it
was recommended amongst others that parents, especially those who are single parents should
apportion their time in such a way that they would be able to aid their children in doing their
homework, give them tidbits on becoming academically successful, visit their children’s school
to finding out their performance in class as well as give them all the materials they required for
their studies. This is important as it shall complement the efforts of the teachers

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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TITTLE PAGE.............................................................................................................................................i
DECLARATION.............................................................................................................................................ii
CERTIFICATION...........................................................................................................................................iii
APPROVAL PAGE........................................................................................................................................iv
DEDICATION................................................................................................................................................v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT................................................................................................................................vi
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................vii
CHAPTER ONE.............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................1
1. 0 Background of the Study......................................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the Problem....................................................................................................................2
1.3 Objectives of the Study.........................................................................................................................3
1.4 Scope of the Study................................................................................................................................3
1.5 Limitations of the Study..................................................................................................................3
1.6 Research Questions.........................................................................................................................4
1.7 Operational Definitions of Terms...................................................................................................4
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Introduction....................................................................................................................................5
2.1 The Concept Single Parenting.........................................................................................................5
2.2 Causes of Single Parenting..............................................................................................................5
2.2.1 Divorce........................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Death of the one of the parent.......................................................................................................6
2.2.3 Increase in birth to unmarried women.......................................................................................7
2.2.4 Desertion....................................................................................................................................7
2.3 Effects of Single Parenting..............................................................................................................7
2.3.1 Psychological Well-Being............................................................................................................8
2.3.2 Academic Performance...............................................................................................................8
2.4 Implication of single parenting.............................................................................................................9
CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................10
3.2 Research Design............................................................................................................................10
3.3 Target Population.........................................................................................................................10
3.4 Sampling Technique......................................................................................................................10
3.5 Sample Size...................................................................................................................................11
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3.6 Sources of Data.............................................................................................................................11
3.7 Data Collection Instrument...........................................................................................................11
3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation....................................................................................................11
CHAPTER FOUR.........................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................12
4.2 Demographic Characteristics of Children.....................................................................................12
4.2 Causes of single parenting............................................................................................................13
Table 4.5 Employment status of respondent’s parents....................................................................................15
4. 3 Effects of Single parenting..................................................................................................................16
4.3 Discussion......................................................................................................................................20
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................................22
5.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................22
5.2 Summary of key Findings..............................................................................................................22
5.3 Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................23
5.4 Recommendations........................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................24
APPENDIX...........................................................................................................................................28

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ix
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. 0 Background of the Study

Nyarko,(2007) opioned that children with experience of separation, divorce or death do not
perform well or achieve academically. When both parents are present, it implies that the child
would obtain more care. However, when one of the parent is absent in a child’s life, a gap is
created as the child would lose the support that would have emanated from that parent. Salami
and Alawode,(2000) asserted that, single parenting results from, separation of various kinds,
divorce, having children from wedlock or death of one spouse which leaves the roles in the
hands of a single parent.

Researchers in the United State have consistently found effects of single-parent families on the
child’s educational achievement. For example, in reviewing research results from large
longitudinal data (Zill, (1996) found that, students from nuclear intact families had the best
academic performance, while students from alternative family types such as stepparent families
and single-parent families performed not so well.incomparism Children who are raised in a
single parent family home are at risk of not reaching their full potential. However, performance
of students from stepparent families became that of single -parent families (Sander, 2001).

Similarly, Han and Huang, (2000) discovered on college attendance and education expenditure in
Taiwan also found that, in Taiwan children in single-parent families had a lower rate of attending
college than that from intact families.

The research done by Amoakohene, (2013) in Ghana on relationship between single parenting
and academic performance of adolescents in senior high school, found that there are some
problems that are exceptional, which are only faced by single-parents, which create difficulties to
raise children. These problems include: bitterness towards the absent spouse, loneliness, poverty
and insecurity about raising children alone without a help. The research concluded that academic
performance and single parenting are negatively related, hence the more cases of single parenting
the poorer the academic performance.

In Tanzania, the study carried out by Mrinde, (2014) on the challenges that students with single
parents face in attaining secondary school education in Kinondoni Municipal, realized that
x
challenges that single parented students face in attaining secondary education are not only
multiple but also self-contradictory. They are complex because no single challenge that stand on
its own and be able to explain the challenge without connecting to the other. Therefore the
challenges revealed are economic hardship, lack of parental care, lack of supervision and
monitoring, lack of guidance and counseling and socialization. It was also revealed that these
have affected single parented students’ education attainment as they have poor academic
performance, poor attendance, drop out of school and engaging in bad behaviors. In the view of
the finding sit was recommended that single parent students who are living in economic hardship
must be identified so as to be helped by the government in the payment of the fees.

Bashagh, (2015) studied on relationship between parental involvement in learning process and
students’ academic performance in selected secondary in Tarauni local government area in
which, revealed that low income, teachers attitude towards parents, parents ignorance and low
level of education, parents attitudes towards teachers, personal commitments on work and poor
communication between teachers and parents were factors hindering parents involvement in
learning process and students’ academic performance. Hence there’s no empirical study in the
area of single parenting in relation to academic performance in secondary schools in Tarauni
City, therefore the researcher aimed at assessing the effect of single parenting on students’
academic performance in public secondary schools in Tarauni City as the research gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Students who experience separation, divorce or single parent of one of their parents do not
always perform well or achieve. Also, they are at risk of not reaching their full potential.
Different researches have been conducted relating to single parenting and its effect on students’
academic performance but no study has been directed on single parenting in relation to academic
performance in secondary schools in GGS Tarauni. This study was, therefore designed to assess
the effect of single parenting on the performance of students in secondary schools in Tarauni
Kano State.

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1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the effect of single parenting on students’ academic
performance in selected secondary schools in Tarauni local Government Area Kano State.

The specific objectives of the study include the following:

i. To identify the causes of single parenting in some selected secondary schools in Tarauni Local

Government area Kano state.

ii. To identify the challenges faced by single parents on supporting students’ academic

performance in some secondary schools in Tarauni Local Government area kano state

iii. To find the solutions how to overcome the identified challenges faced by single parents on

students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Tarauni local Government area kano

state

1.4 Scope of the Study

This study would therefore afford planners to consider learners’ family stability as a primary
determinant of academic breakthrough. In addition, the outcome of this study would not exempt
students in the scheme of importance it would benefit them. It would enable students to
understand even though over a long period of time, that crisis is eminent everywhere they find
themselves but should rather allow their conscious to guide their daily conduct and strive to
achieve hard work.

1.5 Limitations of the Study

The researcher encountered the following limitations; the lack of openness of the respondents in
giving the true information they had, to avoid this limitation the research assured the respondents
with confidentiality by holding a discussion with respondents before the exercise. The researcher
prepared the questionnaires in simple English language that could be understood to students.

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1.6 Research Questions

This Study is guided by the following research questions

What are the Challenges faced by single parents on students’ academic performance in
secondary schools in Tarauni Local Government Area ?

What are the proposed solutions to overcome the identified challenges faced by single parents
on students’ academic performance, in secondary schools in Tarauni Local Government Area?

1.7 Operational Definitions of Terms

Academic Performance (AP): A In this study, Academic performance means student’s grade or
marks obtained from National examinations.

Parenting: In this study, parenting means the skills and task responsibilities of raising
child/children.

Single Parenting: In this study single parenting means a mother or father who looks after
children on their own, without the other partner.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

In this chapter, the relevant literature is reviewed. The chapter is grouped under the following
sub-sections.
I. The concept single parenting

II. Causes of single parenting

III. Challenges of single parenting

IV. Effects of single parenting on the academic performance of students.

2.1 The Concept Single Parenting

According to Keller et al. (1997) found that single parenting refers to a situation where mothers
or fathers raise their children without the presence of the other spouse. Again, single parenting to
Whiting and Child, (1990 ) revealed the situation in which one of the two individuals involved in
the conception of the child is responsible for the upbringing of the child. Dowd , (1997) defined
a single parent as a parent, not living with a spouse or partner, who has most of the day-to-day
responsibilities in raising the child or children.
In the view of Kinnear, (1999) single parenting has contributed to the less performance of
students academically. It has also contributed massively on the less development in our various
societies, countries and the world as a whole.

2.2 Causes of Single Parenting

There are several causes of single parenting. However, two major demographic trends underlie
the rise of single parenting over the past several decades. These are increase in birth to unmarried
women and increased rate of death. Data from the US Census Bureau, (2000) discovered that the
population Survey (1990-2000) showed that one-third of all single parenting situations are
attributed to unmarried women giving birth. The survey also found that death of a parent as a
cause of single parenting has seen a decline in the past 50 years.
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2.2.1 Divorce

Divorce is one of the main events that lead to single parenting in advanced countries (Amato
2000). Although not all single parenthood is due to divorce, marital dissolution is the largest
contributor to the number of children living with one parent. For instance according to Chelin ,
(1981) found that half of all marriages begun in the mid 1990‟s will end in a divorce due to Poor
family Health Status. Recent statistics indicates that in the future divorce maybe even higher
(Burnpass, 1989). Again, Kinnear, (1999) found that of all single parenting families, a majority
that is 58% of all cases were attributed to divorce.
Rodgers, (1996) estimated that, 50% of children born in recent cohort will spend some part of
their childhood with single parents as a result of separation and divorce. Strong et al (2002)
opined that as many as one couple out of every six marriages are likely to have separated for at
least two days.

2.2 Death of the one of the parent

According to Amato, (2000) opined that single parent families were historically as result of
parental death.About one-fourth of children born around the turn of nineteenth century
experience death of a parent before they reached age fifteen. Amato further stated that, the
factors most commonly related present day US single family are changing social and cultural
trends, increased rate of divorce.
Single parent families headed by fathers are growing in many regions of the world. This is
largely due to increase rate of death or mortality. There are nearly 3 million single parents in UK
of which approximately 10% are single fathers with dependent children (Kinnear, 1999).
Although parental status might not be directly modifiable by clinicians, single parenthood is
readily ascertainable and is an important social factor that has been shown to adversely affect
health. To date research on single parents largely focused on single mothers. Single mothers
generally has lower socio economic status, poorer self-related health and mental health, higher
level of psychological distress and more health related problems and hospital admissions than the
general population resulting in death of most mothers causing single parents in UK.

15
2.2.3 Increase in birth to unmarried women

Some out of wedlock births are intended, but many are unintentional. Where out of wedlock
births are accepted by society, they may result in single parenting. According to Kendall, (2003)
when women give birth to many children without marriage, she is very likely to experience
single parenting because if the man realizes that the children are too many for him to cater for, he
may then want to escape his responsibilities in the home as the father by either travelling with or
without coming back again to support the woman and the children.
Women who give birth outside their marriage tends to be disadvantaged than their counterparts
both before and after the birth. Unmarried women generally have lower income, lower
educational levels and are more likely to be dependent on welfare assistance compared with
married mothers. A majority of unmarried births now occur to co-habiting parents: between 2006
and 2010, 58% of unmarried births were to cohabiting parents, in 2002, the proportion was 40%
(Strong et al ; 2002). Children born to cohabiting parents are more likely to see their parents
eventually marry than those born to non-co-residential parents. Children born to unmarried
mothers are more likely to grow up in a single parent household, experience instable living
arrangements, live in poverty and have socio emotional problems. As these children reach
adolescence, they are more likely to have low educational attainment, engage in sex at a younger
age and have birth outside of marriage (Strong et al; 2002).

2.2.4 Desertion

Desertion is one of the ways to single parenthood in our society. It is a situation whereby either
the father or the mother walks away from the marriage, leaving the other party without help or
Support. Desertion is also known as the poor mans divorce (Kendall, 2003).

2.3 Effects of Single Parenting

This section looks at the effects of single parenting on the schooling of students. It looks at the
psychological and academic achievements of children from single parent homes.
These include the negative effect which include the following having less money, Spending less
quality time, Work overload and multitasking, Negative feelings, Disciplining your children,
Behavioral problems, Relationship problems and Clinging to your children.

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2.3.1 Psychological Well-Being

There is research evidence concluding that the effects on children’s psychological well-being are
enormous when their parents’ divorce. Clarke-Stewart and Hayward, (1996) found that children
from divorced homes are emotionally affected. For example a study by Arendell, (1986)
concluded that divorced women complained about the prevalence of the stereotype that their
children are likely to experience most of which take place in their school environment which
affects their academic outcome. However, additional research suggested that children who lived
with their fathers had greater sense of well-being than those children who lived with their
mothers after divorce (Biller and Kimpton, 1997). Azuka-Obieke Uchenna, (2013) also found
that children from single parent homes are more likely to suffer deprivations and denials of some
rights and opportunities that will have negative psycho-social impact on them in school years.
Hetherington and Stanley-Hagan, (1997) carried out an analysis of children from single homes
and those living with both parents. The study found that although children from divorced homes
did experience more psychological and behavioral problems than children from intact homes,
70% to 80% of these children emerge as reasonably competent and well-adjusted individuals
after a time of readjustment to the divorce. Downey and Ainsworth-Darnell, (1998) indicated
that although general statistics show that overall, children living with both parents tended to be
emotionally strong and highly involved, 46%- 49% of children from single parent homes are also
emotionally strong.

2.3.2 Academic Performance

Lack of parental involvement is the biggest problem in public schools (Pitman, 1993). Where
parents are involved, the students have higher grades, test scores and graduation rates, better
school attendance, increased motivation, better self- esteem, low rates of supervision, decreased
use of drugs and alcohol and fewer instances of violent behavior.
According to Pitman, (199) compared with two parent families, children of single parents are
more likely to have lower educated goals and complete fewer years of school, have lower
earnings and poor in young adulthood, marry and bear children at early an age, get divorced and
become involved in delinquency, alcohol abuse and drug addiction.
Again, Knox, (1996) indicated that more often than not, children often lose both financial and
emotional support negative impact on academic performance.
In contrast, there are a few studies that believe that the single parent households may not have as
widespread and adverse an effect on academics as publicized. Findings suggest that conventional
17
wisdom may exaggerate the detrimental effects on father absence (Debell, 2007).

2.4 Implication of single parenting

It was also realized that, single parenting leads to economic hardships among students, lack of
support from parents, lack of school resources, life stress and instability and anxiety and
depression.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter captures the research methods and procedures that were used to the identify effects
of single-parenting on the academic performance of students. It among others includes, research
design, target population, sample size, sampling techniques, techniques of data collection and
data analysis and presentation.

3.2 Research Design

Research design according to Mouton, (2003) is a plan or blue print of how you intend
conducting the research. This study is a survey. Surveys are often part of research
designs(usually in the form of a questionnaire) and in this study, a survey is used to probe the
pupil’sKnowledge with regards to the effects of single parenting on their academic performance.

3.3 Target Population

The target population for the study was basic schools pupils who are from single parent homes as
well as pupils who lived with both parents.

3.4 Sampling Technique

A sample is smaller groups obtained from the accessible population while ensuring that the
sample size is neither too large nor too small but rather optimum, that is; one that fulfills the
requirement of efficiency, representativeness, accountability and flexibility (Kothari, 2004).

In this study, purposive sampling technique was used. This was to ensure that only children who
fall under the target population become part of the study. The simple random sampling technique
was then used to select the respondents for the study. This technique ensured that each child who
fell under the target population had an equal chance of been part of the sample.

19
3.5 Sample Size

Considering the fact that it is practically impossible for the researchers to enumerate all students
who fell within the target population due to time and financial constraints, 30 pupils were
purposely selected to participate in the study.

3.6 Sources of Data

In this study, both primary and secondary data source of information was used to collect all the
necessary information. Secondary data involved the use of research that focused on published
text books and unpublished books, articles, newspapers and internet searches. The responses to
the questionnaires administered on the field constituted the primary sources of data.

3.7 Data Collection Instrument

This study employed questionnaire and direct observation in collecting data from the field. The
questionnaires were close ended with alternatives provided for respondents to choose from.

3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation

The data collected from the field was analyzed using SPSS and the results presented in tables for
easy Presentations and understanding.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter of the research work discussed and analyzed the data collected from the field for the
purpose of obtaining the objective of the study.

4.2 Demographic Characteristics of Children

This part looked at the personal characteristics of the respondents. Among the personal
characteristics of the respondents were the gender, age range and their religious affiliation. Table
4.1 captures these characteristics.
Table 4.1 Demographic characteristics of children
Variable Frequency Per cent(%)

Gender

Male 14 47

Female 16 53

Total 30 100

Age group

7-9 11 36.7

10-12 15 50.0

13-15 3 10.3

Above 15 1 3.3

Total 30 100

Religion

Christianity 29 96.7

Islam 1 3.3

Total 30 100

Source: Field data, 2022.

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From table 4.1, it is seen that about 47% of the respondents are males while the remaining 53%
are females. This shows that a majority of the respondents are females. This outcome is
attributed to the fact usually in basic schools; the female population are more than the males.
Again, it is seen that from table 4.1, about 38% of the respondents fall within the age group 7-9,
50% fall within the age group 10-12 and also 10% of the respondents fall within the age group
13-15. From the findings it can be seen that most of the children fall within the age group 10-12
indicating most children in the basic schools are very young and therefore makes it difficult for
them to take decisions for themselves. The researchers also looked at the religious affiliation of
the respondents. This finding shows that Muslim are many in the school and confirms the fact
that is a Muslim dominated School.

4.2 Causes of single parenting

Single parenting is caused by many factors. The researchers therefore sought to find out some of
the causes of single parenting GGSS Tarauni kudu. The results are shown in table 4.2. Table 4.2
Residence of child.

Who child stays with Frequency Per cent (%)

Mother 9 30.0

Father 3 10.0

Both Parents 15 50.0

Other relatives 3 10.0

Total 30 100.0

Source: Field data, 2022.

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From table 4.2 it is seen that 50% of the respondents lived with both parents. 50% of them also
stay with either only the mother or father or other relatives. Specifically, 30% of them stayed
with the mother only while 10% stayed with their fathers and other relatives respectively. With a
majority of the children from single parent homes staying with their mothers only suggests that
most of the single parents in GGSS are women. This is attributed to the fact that young children
always feel comfortable living with their mothers than fathers. Table 4.3 Cause of single
parenting

Cause of single parenting

Frequency Per cent (%)

Travelling (Migration) 9 60

Separation 2 13

Divorce 1 7

Death 3 20.0

Total 15 100.0

Source: Field data, 2022.

From the fifteen children who indicated that they stayed with single parents, a majority of them
that is 60% indicated that the other parent had travelled (migrated). 13% of them attributed to it
separation of the parents while 7% was due to divorce and 20% of it is attributed to death of the
other parent. This finding shows that the major cause of single parenting in GGSS is traveling or
migration. This suggests that migration is high especially among men in Tarauni kudu. This
finding is contrary to an earlier finding by Amato (2000) that divorce is one of the main events
that lead to single parenting in advanced countries.

23
Table 4.4 Number of siblings respondent has

Number of siblings Frequency Per cent(%)

2-3 11 36.7

4-5 12 40.0

more than 5 7 23.3

Total 30 100.0

Source: Field data, 2022.

From table 4.4, it is seen that a majority (40.0%) of the respondents have 4-5 siblings, about 37%
have 2-3 siblings while 23% of them have more than five siblings. The finding shows that all the
respondents have more than a sibling. This implies a high dependency ratio in families and its
attendant economic hardship. The greater the number of children in a family the more these
children have to share available family resources resulting in the children given smaller amounts
of money for school and inability to buy them new uniforms.

Table 4.5 Employment status of respondent’s parents

Is your parent working? Frequency Per cent (%)

Yes 23 76.7

No 7 23.3

Total 30 100.0

Source: Field data, 2022.

24
From table 4.5, it is seen that most of the respondents‟ parents that is about 77% of them are
working. 23% of them however are not working. This shows that even though they are single
parents, most of them are working and therefore can take care of their children.

4. 3 Effects of Single parenting

The researchers sought to unravel the effects single parenting has on the schooling of the
children from such homes. The results are discussed below.

Table 4.6 Child welfare in school

Are you given money when going to

School? Frequency Per cent (%)

Yes 29 96.7

No 1 3.3

Total 30 100.0

Source: Field data, 2022.

From table 4.6, it can be seen that almost all the respondents that is close to 97% of them are
given money to buy food in school. However, 3% of them go to school without money or food.
This shows that single parents in GGSS Tarauni Kudu are responsible and do not leave their
children to go to school with empty stomachs.

25
Table 4.7 Amount of money given to respondents for school

Amount of money Frequency Per cent (%)

below 50 pesewas 1 3.3

1-2 28 93.3

3-5 1 3.3

Total 30 100.0

Source: Field data, 2022.

From Table 4.7 it can be seen that, 3% of the respondents are given less than 60 naira for

School daily, another 3% are given between 30-50 naira for school daily while about 94% of
them Are given between 15-20 naira for school daily. 94% of the respondents‟ parents give them
10-15 Naira daily for school because earlier analysis in table 4.2 showed that a majority (78%) of
the Respondents had 2-5 siblings. This means that the little monies parents have has to be shared
for these children.In the basic school, pupils report to school at 7:30 am and close at 2:00 pm in
the afternoon. Looking at the time they spend in school within the day and the amount of money
they take to school, it shows that it is not enough for them and for that matter can affect their
academic activities in school.

26
 Table 4.8 Parents ability to buy books for respondents

Parent ability to buy books Frequency Per cent (%)

Yes 24 80.0

No 6 20.0

Total 30 100.0

Source: Field data, 2022.

Table 4.8 looked at the ability of the respondents‟ parents to buy them books for use in
school. The results showed that 80% of the respondents‟ parents buy them books which are
relevant to their studies in school while 20% of the respondents‟ parents are unable to buy
books for them.
This finding of the study shows that parents in Tarauni Kudu are much concerned with the
educational needs of their children
Table 4.9 Number of year’s child has been wearing uniform

Age of uniform Frequency Per cent (%)

Less than a year 14 46.7

2-3 years 11 36.7

4-5 years 5 16.7

Total 30 100.0

Source: Field data, 2022.

27
Table 4.9 looks at how long the respondents have been wearing their uniform. The results show
that about 83% of the respondents have worn their uniforms for between 1-3 years and about
17% of the respondents have worn theirs for between 4-5 years. It can be seen that minority of
the respondents have worn their uniform for many years but most of them have worn theirs for
lesser years showing that most of the parents are doing well in terms of clothing their children
for school.
.Table 4.10 Academic performance of respondents.

Academic performance Frequency

Per cent (%)

Not improved 4 13.3

Improved 22 73.3

Gone down 4 13.3

Total 30 100.0

Source: Field data, 2018

From table 4.10, out of the 30 respondents 22 of them representing about 74% indicated that
their academic performance has improved irrespective of the type of parent(s) they stay with.
Four of them each representing 13% indicated that their academic performance has improved or
gone down respectively. This result shows that majority of the respondents academic
performance has gone up or improved, showing that single patenting has no much negative
effects on the academic performance of students. It also shows that the single parents are playing
their parenting roles effectively hence this outcome.

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The findings of this study is contrary to an earlier study by Knox (1996) who found that single
parenting can lead to loss of both financial and emotional support which can have a negative
impact on the academic performance of children.

4.3 Discussion

Discussion In general, the respondents reported low extent on the effects of single parenting on
the academic performance of primary school pupils. This means that children from single
parenting face emotional destabilization, negative social disposition, laxity in assisting and
guidance and financial difficulty in providing for academic activities for their children. Single
parent homes are faced with challenges of inadequate financial resources. This is supported by
Schultz (2006) who asserted that if adolescents from unstable homes are not to be compared with
those from two parent homes, it would be seen that the former have more social, academic and
emotional problems. In such manner, Rochlkepartain as cited in Adebola ,
(2013) asserted that the family and its structure play a great role in children’s academic
performance. Levin , (2001) agreed that parents are probably the actor with the clearest
undimentional interest in a high level of their children’s academic performance. Chowa, Ansong
and Osei-Akoto, (2012) claimed that parental involvement in the school environment appears
high because 37% reported attended parent teachers activity meetings, discuss expectations with
their children, discuss school work and make sure their children do their work. This result
showed that single parent bears the financial burden alone of taking care of their children thus
leading to less academic productive among the children. The result is an indication that intact
homes are more likely to involve in their children’s education than single parents. Also Topor,
Keane, Sheiton and Calkins, (2010) claimed that parental involvement is positively associated
with students’ academic performance at school. In a related way, Dontor, (2010) indicated that
parents noted that poor performance of their children emanates from the lack of proper
supervision of their wards homework and assignments.
From table 4.2 it is seen that 50% of the respondents lived with both parents. 50% of them also
stay with either only the mother or father or other relatives. Specifically, 30% of them stayed
with the mother only while 10% stayed with their fathers and other relatives respectively. With a
majority of the children from single parent homes staying with their mothers only suggests that
most of the single parents in GGSS are women. This is attributed to the fact that young children
always feel comfortable living with their mothers than fathers.

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Table 4.3 Cause of single parenting from the fifteen children who indicated that they stayed with
single parents, a majority of them that is 60% indicated that the other parent had travelled
(migrated). 13% of them attributed to it separation of the parents while 7% was due to divorce
and 20% of it is attributed to death of the other parent. This finding shows that the major cause of
single parenting in GGSS is traveling or migration. This suggests that migration is high
especially among men in Tarauni kudu. This finding is contrary to earlier findings by Amato,
(2000) that divorce is one of the main events that lead to single parenting in advanced countries.
From table 4.4, it is seen that a majority (40.0%) of the respondents have 4-5 siblings, about 37%
have 2-3 siblings while 23% of them have more than five siblings. The finding shows that all the
respondents have more than a sibling. This implies a high dependency ratio in families and its
attendant economic hardship. The greater the number of children in a family the more these
children have to share available family resources resulting in the children given smaller amounts
of money for school and inability to buy them new uniforms.
From table 4.5, it is seen that most of the respondents‟ parents that is about 77% of them are
working. 23% of them however are not working. This shows that even though they are single
parents, most of them are working and therefore can take care of their children.
The researchers sought to unravel the effects single parenting has on the schooling of the
children from such homes. The results are discussed below.
From Table 4.7 it can be seen that, 3% of the respondents are given less than 60 naira for School
daily, another 3% are given between 30-50 naira for school daily while about 94% of them are
given between 15-20 naira for school daily. 94% of the respondents‟ parents give them 10-15
Naira daily for school because earlier analysis in table 4.2 showed that a majority (78%) of the
respondents had 2-5 siblings. This means that the little monies parents have has to be shared for
these children.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

This is the final chapter of the entire research work. This chapter covers the summary of the main
findings from the field, conclusion and some recommendations made by the researchers based on
the findings of the study.

5.2 Summary of key Findings.

On the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents the study found that 47% of them
were males while 53% were females revealing that there are more females in the basic schools
than males. Again with regards to the age of the respondents, the study found that the majority of
them were young as 88% of them are between ages 7-12. On the religious affiliation of the
respondents, the study found that 98% of them are Christians while the remaining 2% are
Muslims.
On the causes of single parenting, the study found that traveling or migration was the major
cause of the act while the other causes of the occurrence are separation, divorce and death. The
study also found that most of the respondents came from homes with siblings of 2-3. With
regards to whom children from single parent homes stayed with, the study found that a majority
(30%) stayed with their mothers. This suggests that most of the single parents in GGSS are
mothers (females). However, the study found that 77% of all the single parents are economically
engaged and therefore are able to buy books, uniforms and give their children money to buy food
in school on a daily basis.

On the effects of single parenting on the academic performance of the pupils, the study found
that single parenting did not have any have negative effects on the academic performance of such
pupils. A majority (74%) of them indicated that their academic performance had improved.

31
5.3 Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that migration is the major cause of single
parenting and mothers are usually the single parents. However, single parenting does not have

much negative effects on the pupil‟s academic performance.

5.4 Recommendations

The following are recommendations put forward as a result of the outcome of the study:
1. Parents should increase the amount of money they give to their children to buy food in
school.
2. The absent parent should not abandon their responsibilities. They should remit their
spouses and children.
3. Parents should have time for their children at home by assisting them to do their
homework and other academic activities.
4. Parents should consider family planning methods to minimize their family size so that
they can take care of them very well.
5. Parents should do well and buy new uniforms for their children from time to time so that
they can look descent all the time.

32
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APPENDIX

RURAL DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE-KWASO

(DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT)

Questionnaire

We are final year students of the above school conducting an academic research. This research is
conducted to ascertain “The effects of single parenting on the academic performance of
students. A study in Kwaso”. This work is purely for academic purpose. Confidentiality of
respondents is
assured.

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CHIDREN

1. What is your gender? a) Male [ ] b) Female [ ]

2. What is your age? a) 4-6 [ ] b) 7-9 [ ] c) 10-12 [ ] d) 13-15[ ] e) above 15 [ ]

3. What is your religion? a) Christianity [ ] b) Islam [ ] c) Traditional [ ] d) Others [ ]

4. What is your class? a) Lower primary [ ] b) Upper primary [ ] c) JHS [ ]

SECTION B: CAUSES OF SINGLE PARENTING

5 .Who do you stay with? a) Mother [ ] b) Father [ ] c) Both [ ] d) Others (please be specific) [ ]

37
6. If only one then where is the other? a) Travelled [ ] b) Separated [ ] c) Divorced d) Death [ ]

7. How many siblings do you have? a) Don‟t have [ ] b) 2-3 [ ] c)4-5 [ ] d) more than 5 [ ]

8. Do your parent(s) work? a) Yes [ ] b) No [ ].

SECTION C: EFFECTS OF SINGLE PARENTING ON CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

9. Do your parent(s) give you money to buy food in school? a) Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

10. If yes how much? a) Below 0.50p [ ] b) 0.50p [ ] c) 1-2 cedis [ ] d) 3-5 cedis [ ]

e) More than 5[ ]

11. Are your parent(s) able to buy you all the books you need for school? a) Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

12. How many years have been using your current uniform? a) Less than one year [ ] b) 2-3
years [ ] c) 4-5 years [ ] d) more than five years[ ]

13. Has your performance in class improved or gone down? a) Not improved [ ] b) improved [ ]
c) gone down [ ]

THANK YOU FOR CO-OPERATION

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39