INFLUENCE OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MOPA, KOGI STATE

Abstract

The study examined the influence of drug abuse on the performance of Junior Secondary school students in Mopa, Kogi State. The study was guided by three objectives, three research questions and one hypothesis. The study adopted survey research design. The population comprised all Junior Secondary School students in Mopa, with a total population of 6789 students. A sample of 100 students were randomly selected and used for the study. The instruments used for data collection were structured questionnaires. The instrument was duly validated, and the reliability coefficient was found to be 0.82. The data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentage. The findings of the study revealed that drug abuse is perceived to have a significant negative impact on the academic performance of students, affecting their cognitive abilities, seriousness in academic work, attendance, and overall academic outcomes. Findings also revealed a positive significant relationship between drug abuse and students’ academic performance. It was also revealed that peer influence, lack of parental care, mental health issues, academic pressure, and socioeconomic factors are perceived as significant contributors to drug abuse among junior secondary school students. The study recommended among others that schools should organize regular parent-teacher meetings and workshops to educate parents on the signs of drug abuse, its effects on their children’s academic performance, and how they can provide better supervision.