IMPACT OF CHILD ABUSE ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of child abuse on senior secondary school students’ academic performance in North-Central Nigeria. A descriptive and correlational survey design was adopted. A total of 400 students were sampled from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other North-Central states. Validated instruments were used to measure the prevalence of child abuse. A correlation coefficient value of 0.85 was obtained, indicating a high level of reliability. The findings revealed that child abuse is a widespread problem among secondary school students in North Central Nigeria. Secondary school students in North Central Nigeria demonstrate positive social behavior, good interpersonal communication, emotional understanding, and the ability to build and sustain healthy peer relationships. There is no significant relationship between child abuse and academic performance of abuse among secondary school students in North Central Nigeria, and there are no significant gender differences in the experience of child abuse among secondary school students in North Central Nigeria. The study recommended that school administrators, teachers, and parents should intensify awareness campaigns on child rights and protection laws to reduce the prevalence of child abuse among secondary school students in NC.