INFLUENCE OF DRUG ABUSE ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EKITI STATE

Abstract

This study examined the impact of drug abuse on secondary school student's academic performance, specifically their level of success in external examinations and their attitudes toward learning. The study employed the descriptive survey design. The study was conducted on a sample of 225 secondary school students. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The chi-square (χ²) test was used to analyze the data collected based on the two formulated hypotheses. Findings: The first hypothesis (H0¹) sought to investigate the relationship between drug abuse and students' level of success in external examinations. The results showed that the calculated chi-square value (χ²) of 14.46 was less than the critical/tabulated chi-square value of 15.507 at a 0.05 level of significance. This led to the acceptance of the null hypothesis, indicating that there is no statistically significant relationship between drug abuse and students' level of success in external examinations. The second hypothesis (H0²) examined the relationship between drug abuse and students' attitudes towards learning. The analysis revealed that the calculated chi-square value (χ²) of 9.31 was also less than the critical/tabulated chi-square value of 15.507 at a 0.05 level of significance. Consequently, the null hypothesis was accepted, suggesting that there is no statistically significant relationship between drug abuse and students' attitudes towards learning. In conclusion, these findings suggest that while drug abuse can have negative consequences, it may not be the sole or primary factor influencing secondary school students' academic performance and learning attitudes. Policymakers and educators should consider a broader range of interventions that address the complex and