Assessment of Socio-Educational Determinants of Poor SeniorSecondary ‎Certificate Examination (SSCE) Performance inSelected Secondary Schools in ‎Funtua LGA, Nigeria

  • Authors

    • Aminu Mustapha Abdullahi Aminchi College of Advanced Studies, Funtua, affiliated to the Institute of ‎ Education, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Zaria
    • Abdullahi Lawal Muslim Community college of Health sciences and technology, Funtua (‎MCCHST).‎
    https://doi.org/10.14419/2tpxx138

    Received date: October 13, 2025

    Accepted date: November 17, 2025

    Published date: November 23, 2025

  • SSCE; Secondary School Students; Science Subjects; Funtua; Academic ‎Performance; Practical Equipment; Socioeconomic Factors

  • Abstract

    The Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) remains a critical ‎indicator of students’ academic attainment and access to higher education in ‎Nigeria. Despite its importance, students in Funtua, Katsina State, continue to ‎exhibit persistently low achievement in science subjects. This study investigated ‎the determinants of this trend using a descriptive survey design involving 500 ‎students, 15 science teachers, and 5 principals across five secondary schools. ‎Data were obtained through structured questionnaires, interviews, and ‎observation checklists. Findings reveal that poor performance arises from ‎systemic resource disparities, including inadequate laboratory infrastructure, ‎insufficient instructional materials, and overcrowded classrooms. Pedagogical limitations, teacher competency gaps, and sociocultural factors—such as low parental involvement, limited student motivation, and examination malpractice—further constrain science learning outcomes. These interrelated challenges ‎underscore deep-rooted structural inequalities within Funtua’s educational ‎environment‎.

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    Mustapha, A., & Lawal, A. . (2025). Assessment of Socio-Educational Determinants of Poor SeniorSecondary ‎Certificate Examination (SSCE) Performance inSelected Secondary Schools in ‎Funtua LGA, Nigeria. SPC Journal of Social Sciences, 6(1), 22-29. https://doi.org/10.14419/2tpxx138