GENDER DIFFERENCES AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS ACADEMICS IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

 

Olawale Y. Olonade¹*, Ibukun Balogun², Tayo O. George³, and Mercy I. Ozoya⁴

¹Mr., Covenant University, NIGERIA, email: olawale.olonade@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

²Ms., Covenant University, NIGERIA, email: ibukunbalo@gmail.com

³Dr., Covenant University, NIGERIA, email: tayo.george@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

⁴Dr., Covenant University, NIGERIA, email: mercy.ozoya@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

*Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study is focused on the gender differences and attitudes towards academic performance, using Lagos state as the study area and senior secondary school students as the study population. Students have different attitudes towards academic performance. Students either have a positive or negative attitude towards academic performance. The study is centered on knowing the role gender plays in students' attitudes towards academic performance. The gender intensification theory was adopted as a theoretical framework. The method of study is quantitative. The use of an online google form was adopted as instrument of data collection. The sample size was 224 respondents. The respondents were purposefully selected from different secondary schools, including private and government secondary schools in Lagos Nigeria. The study's findings revealed that secondary school students in Lagos state do not fancy studying as soon as the term begins as students mostly wait for the exam or test periods to study seriously. Secondary school students have little or no interest in having daily study time, which shows that students are only generally interested in studying to pass rather than studying to know. However, gender is not seen to be a primary factor in academic performance. The study recommended that secondary school students be taught study skills to cultivate excellent and useful study skills. This should provide study materials, a conducive place of study, recognizing excellence, and appreciating students' hard work as these will help motivate the students positively towards their study and academic achievement. It was also recommended that group counseling be organized for students on improved study habits, positive self-concept, academic excellence, and gender parity.

Keywords: Gender, Academic Performance, Education, Secondary Schools