CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND FOR THE STUDY

The first major federal aids significant who are regarded as the lower class in the society was the elementary and secondary education. When this system of education was introduced, there were great expectations that it will not only help the disadvantaged children but indeed also close the large achievement gap between the poor children and others (the lower and the higher class). In order to achieve this policy, a funding mechanism rather than specific program or placing was organized to assist students risk, for effectiveness, the congress mandated that all school districts should be eligible, because not much was known about the compensatory practices or interventions for effective working of these educational system for children. These federal funds were not used fundamentally for the education opportunities provided to children in poverty.

The student’s educational performance or attainment is inevitable and should be viewed with a lot of incentives at all levels. The training of student is very important since the extent of a nations future labour force, leadership, political stability and strength of technical know how greatly lies in the hands of the students who are often referred to as “Leaders of Tomorrow”.

Poverty is an issue that many of our nation’s children are coming face to face with. The price that children of poverty is to pay is unbelievable high each year, increasing numbers of children are entering into schools with need from circumstances, such as poverty, that schools are not prepared to meet; this is the reason why teachers need to turned to the culture of poverty and the sensitive to the vast array of needs that children of poverty bring to the classroom.

Education is the major factor impacting the economic development in the society. However, this write up shall help to unveil the effect of poverty on the education system in Nigeria.

The importance of education and its complication to the social and economic life of the people who are well recognized by every nation and some scientific knowledge needed by everyone in other to live and have an idea of the ways in which one is feed, clothed, entertained and sheltered to ensure a more profitable exploration of the scientific and technological potential.

It is necessary to lay more details on scientific knowledge in this respect; Fafunwa (1976) suggested that science should be made a compulsory subject in secondary and tertiary institution as well as educating the populace, so that African will be able to move from its static role of spectator to that of an actor in this exciting breakthrough.

Bajah (1975) also pointed out that science is a means by while by which developing countries can produce the much needed skill, this closing the gap between the development of developed and developing countries.

Inspite of the above facts, one feels that science should be encouraged in Nigeria schools since teaching and learning among other things infuse in desirable qualities into Nigeria students such as achievement will be beneficial not only to the individual students but also to the nation as a whole.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

In this project the researcher intents to identify the effects of poverty on the educational system of Nigeria, the following questions calls for attention;

• What are the interests of students in science subjects?
• What is the level of student’s performance in science?
• Do the schools have science equipment and well equipped laboratory?
• Are there adequate textbooks?
• Do the students achieve their schools goals?
• What can the teachers do to help poor children become better readers?

The researcher is of the view that the answer to the above questions would help to identify the effects of poverty in the academic performance of science students in our secondary schools.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study or the purpose of this project research is to investigate on the effect of poverty on the education system of Nigeria in College of Education, Ekiadolor-Benin in some selected schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The researcher wants to further more improve on the study; proposing some remedy or solutions to the problem of poverty as it affects the education system of Nigeria and the students.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

          The study will enable the government and other member of the society to understand that poverty can really lead to the poor performance of a student in secondary school.

        This study will help to structure the educational system and accommodate both the poor and rich so issues and their environment do not influence their school activities.

        For these children to become the great leaders of tomorrow and heads of affairs, their parents and guidance must be empowered to be able to care for all their academic needs by providing a good job for their parents.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The researcher is restricted to College of Education, Ekiadolor-Benin in Ovia north east local government area.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i.             Is there any relationship between student’s performance and poverty?

ii.            To what extent has poverty affected Nigeria Educational system?

iii.          What is the teacher’s perception about poverty and its effect on the students?

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Effect: a change that something or somebody causes in something or somebody else.

Poverty: the state of being poor.

Academic: connected with education, especially studying in school s and universities.

Performance: the act of doing a piece of work or duty.

Implementation: the act of implementing a plan policy e.t.c