SOCIOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF EDUCATED MOTHERS ON THE PERFORMANCE AND WELLBEING OF PUPILS IN NIGERIAN SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of educated mothers on the academic
performance and well-being of primary school pupils in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local
Government area of Lagos, Nigeria. Four research questions were raised and four
hypotheses were tested. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A
total of 200 participants were selected from 10 public primary schools and 10 private
primary schools within Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government area of Lagos, Nigeria
using simple random sampling technique. The research instrument used was a four
point Likert Rating Scale Questionnaire type. Data analysis were done using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentage to answer the research questions, while the hypotheses formulated were tested using Chi-square and independent t-test statistical tool at 0.05 level of significance. All the hypotheses tested were rejected. Based on the result from the findings of this study, it was concluded that there is significant influence of educated mother on their children academic performance and well-being and that there is significant difference between academic performance, well-being of pupils from educated and uneducated mothers. Children living with mothers who have low educational attainment experience less academic guidance, support and success. Hence, mothers’ level of education is a sin qua non to their children well-being and academic pursuit. It was recommended that parents who are not educated or have low educational qualifications should endeavour to allow their children to attend summer coaching provided or secure services of home tutor for their children to complement the regular school programmes and that government and corporate institutions should increase salaries of parents in line with economic situations, to enable parents meet the educational needs of their children.