Home Environment and Its Effects on Academic Performance Among Secondary School Students in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State

Introduction: Academic performance among secondary school students is shaped by a complex interplay of factors beyond classroom instruction. Understanding these influences—demographic profiles, parental roles, home environments, and socio- economic contexts—is crucial for educational stakeholders aiming to enhance student success. This study focused on Moro LGA, Kwara State, where these factors are examined to elucidate their impact on student achievement. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done with a sample of 350 secondary school students from Moro LGA participated in the study. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to summarize demographic profiles and survey responses. Inferential tests, such as chi-square tests, examined relationships between variables, highlighting significant associations impacting academic outcomes. Results: The majority of students (66.6%) fell within the age range of 15-19 years, with a predominant male gender distribution (66.3%). Significant findings indicate low parental attendance at school meetings (44%) and minimal involvement in assisting with homework (47.1%). A notable percentage of students (83.4%) were involved in disciplinary cases requiring parental-teacher communication. While most students reported adequate access to food (80.3%), many highlighted inadequate lightings (52.6%) for studying at home. The provision of school uniforms and study materials was perceived positively by 63.7% of students. Students overwhelmingly perceived socio-economic status as positively influencing academic performance (83.4%), correlating income levels with educational resources and home stability. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study underscores the pivotal roles of parental involvement, home environment quality, and socio-economic factors in shaping academic success among secondary school students in Moro LGA. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance parental engagement, improve home study conditions, and address socio-economic disparities, aiming to optimize educational outcomes in the region. Keywords: Academic Performance, Secondary School Students, Parental Involvement, Home Environment, Socio-Economic Status