Influence of marital conflict on student’s academic performance as perceived by teachers in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State

Abstract

This study investigated influence of marital conflict on student’s academic performance as perceived by teachers in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State. The moderating variables such as gender, age, teaching experience and educational qualification were examined. The study was descriptive research design of the survey type. The population of this study comprised all secondary school teachers in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State while sample size of 150 teachers participated in the study. A questionnaire entitled ‘Influence of Marital Conflict on Students` Academic Performance Questionnaire (IMCSAPQ)’ was used to collect data for the study. Percentage was used to analyse the demographic data. Mean and rank order analysis was used to answer research question while the four null hypotheses formulated were tested using t-test and ANOVA statistical techniques. The findings of the study revealed that marital conflict has a negative influence on students’ academic performance which include difficulty concentrating on their studies; inability to plan and organize their study time effectively; and inadequate sleep, leading to tiredness during school hours among others. The findings also showed that there was a significant difference in the influence of marital conflict on students’ academic performance as expressed by teachers in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara state based on gender, age and teaching experience but significant differences was found based on educational qualification. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that school management/administrators should develop strategies to provide psychological and academic assistance to children with different problems, which hinder their educational development among others