Parent’s Socio-Economic Variables and Student Academic Performance in Business Studies in Junior Secondary School in Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

ABSTRACT This research investigates the influence of parent’s socio-economic variables on students' academic performance in business studies in junior secondary schools in Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, sampling 350 students from seven randomly selected secondary schools. Data collection was conducted using a researcher-made questionnaire and student raw-scores. Key socio-economic variables examined include parental education level, occupation, family size, and income. Data analysis involved simple percentages and regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal that a significant majority of students perceive their parents' education level, occupation, and income as positively influencing their academic performance in business studies. Specifically, 70% of students noted a positive influence of parental education, 74% reported that parental occupation positively impacts their performance, and 76% acknowledged that parental income provides better access to educational resources. Additionally, family size was found to significantly affect academic performance, with 76% of students from smaller families reporting better academic outcomes. Regression analysis confirmed the significant influence of these socio-economic variables on students' academic performance, leading to the rejection of the null hypotheses. The study underscores the critical role of parental socio-economic status in shaping students' academic achievements, emphasizing the need for supportive home environments and adequate educational resources. These findings contribute to the understanding of socio-economic factors affecting education in developing regions and suggest policy implications for enhancing academic performance through targeted socio-economic interventions.