IMPACT OF FREE EDUCATION ON IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS’ACADEMIC WORK IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

AGUBOSI, Lydia Akunna, Ph.D

Abstract

Excellent performance in academic work demands that there should be availability of study materials and prompt payment of school fees so that the learner will not be hindered. However, socio-economic status of the parents many a time poses problem to the students in the sense that they are not economically buoyant to provide for their educational needs. This study examined the impact of free education on academic work of in-school adolescents in senior secondary schools in Local Education District (LED) in Alimoso local Government Area of Lagos state. The study was descriptive survey of case study type. The population comprised of the in-school adolescents in senior secondary schools in Local Education District, Alimoso from where 90 students who have collected free textbooks were selected through purposive sampling technique. Data were collected via questionnaire titled ‘Free Education and Academic Work Questionnaire (PSFEAAQ)’. Three hypotheses postulated and tested at 0.05 alpha level were retained. The result revealed that free education bolstered the students’ school attendance, study habits and having of study materials. It is concluded that free education goes a long way in helping students’ academic work. It is recommended that secondary education should be free in other states in Nigeria and study materials also provided free to students.