Influence of Biology Practical on Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in Ado Ekiti State

The study examines the influence of biology practical on the academic achievement of secondary school students in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Biology, as a core science subject, requires both theoretical understanding and practical application to ensure comprehensive learning. However, concerns have been raised regarding the extent to which practical work contributes to students' academic performance in biology, especially in secondary schools within Ado Ekiti. This research seeks to determine the impact of practical biology sessions on students' academic outcomes. A descriptive survey research design was employed, involving a representative sample of senior secondary school students (SS1, SS2 and SS3) from selected schools in Ado Ekiti. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and biology achievement tests to assess students' performance before and after exposure to practical lessons. The collected data were analyzed using statistical tools such as mean scores, standard deviations, and t-tests to determine the significance of practical biology lessons in improving student performance. Findings from the study reveal a strong positive correlation between engagement in biology practical and students' academic achievement. Students who actively participated in hands-on experiments demonstrated better comprehension of biological concepts, improved problem-solving skills, and higher retention rates compared to those who relied solely on theoretical instruction. Furthermore, the study highlights several factors influencing the effectiveness of practical lessons, including availability of laboratory facilities, teacher competence, and student interest. The study also identifies challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient laboratory equipment, and large class sizes, which hinder the effective implementation of practical biology sessions. Based on these findings, the study recommends increased investment in laboratory infrastructure, regular practical sessions, and teacher training programs to enhance the delivery of practical-based biology education