Impact of Child Labour on the Academic Performance and Socio-Economic Values of Students in Some Selected Junior Secondary Schools in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Children below the age of 18 are unfortunately observed engaging in child labour for various reasons, despite it being a situation that should ideally be prevented. This study aimed to assess the impact of child labour on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School students in Yobe State, Nigeria. Twenty Junior Secondary Schools were selected for the study, and from each school, 50 students, evenly distributed between males and females, were sampled based on their 50% absenteeism rate, which indicated a possible association with child labour. The results revealed that out of the total 1000 students examined, the highest percentage (17.9%) of those engaged in child labour did so due to poverty. Following closely were factors such as lack of access to quality education (16.5%), peer group influence (15.9%), natural disasters and climate change (15.2%), conflicts and mass migration (15.0%), orphanhood or having sick parents (6.5%), inadequacies and weaknesses in the national educational systems (5.9%), limited understanding of child labour (5.6%), and household composition (1.0%). The least percentage (0.5%) of child labour was attributed to parent illiteracy. The study also highlighted some positive impacts of child labour, including the development of management or leadership skills, contributing to family upkeep, and meeting basic needs. However, it also revealed several negative consequences. A majority of respondents (56.4%) agreed that child labour led to an increase in out-of-school youths, poor academic performance, high dropout rates from secondary schools, elevated levels of illiteracy and low employability, a rise in criminality and drug abuse, physical and mental health issues, increased incidents of sexual harassment, and perpetuated intergenerational poverty. Additionally, child labour was found to accelerate premature aging. In conclusion, child labour has detrimental effects on the academic performance of students in Junior Secondary Schools. Therefore, it is imperative for the government at all levels and individuals in positions of authority in Yobe State to extend support to less privileged students and ensure they have access to quality education.