Iimpact of Truancy on Academic Performance of Secondary School in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State

ABSTRACT
This project examines the impact of truancy on academic performance of secondary school students in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State. Truancy is a deliberate absence from school on the part of learners without the consent and knowledge of parents. Truancy is a major challenge among secondary school students in Ondo West Local government Area of Ondo state. Truancy have adverse impact on students, the school and the society at large. The study elicited responses using simple random sampling method to select 200 students from four schools in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo state. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analysed quantitatively using mean and ranking. The study identified the impacts of truancy as poor academic performance for the truants, their class and school, Wastage of learning time, dropping out of school, poverty to the individual and family in future, involvement in delinquent behavior, family instability, social maladjustment and insecurity in the family. The study recommended among others, strengthening of peers, joint, group and individual counseling in secondary schools, involving parents and the surrounding school community in developing attendance and anti-truancy polices, effectively monitoring of the truants, creating a friendly school culture, developing attractive co-curricular activities, organizing career guidance right from when students are in JSS 1 and teachers should adopt and interesting teaching method.