Analyzing student retention trends in public schools across Kwara State Nigeria

Authors

  •   Afeez Adeshina Shittu   Department of Educational Management & Counselling, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
  •   Muritala Adaramaja Sheu   Department of Educational Management, Kwara State University, Malete
  •   Yusuf Abubakar Faruk   Department of Educational Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35719/educare.v6i1.360

  Keywords:

Students’ Retention Rate, Learning Process, Educational Goals, Physical Resources

Abstract

The student retention rate in public primary schools in Kwara State is influenced by differences in gender and location. Inequities in educational access between urban and rural areas, as well as differences in facilities, significantly affect students' continuation in school. This study aims to measure the retention rate of public primary school students in Kwara State based on gender, and the retention rate based on location. The research is a descriptive survey with a correlational design. The target population included all 230 public primary schools in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) selected from three senatorial districts in Kwara State. The instrument used was the Students’ Flow Checklist (SFC). Data collected were analyzed using formulas, the standard progression method, the rate method, and the t-test. The findings showed a significant difference in retention rates between male and female students in Ilorin West and Asa LGAs in public primary schools in Kwara State. There was also a notable difference in retention rates between Ilorin West LGA (urban) and Asa LGA (rural). It is recommended that retention rates be maintained by providing more classrooms, utilizing available resources, and ensuring effective teaching to achieve educational goals for all students. This study contributes by identifying significant differences in student retention based on gender and location in Kwara State. These findings support efforts to improve retention through facility provision, resource utilization, and effective teaching in public primary schools.

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Published

2025-06-25

How to Cite

Shittu, A. A., Sheu, M. A., & Faruk, Y. A. (2025). Analyzing student retention trends in public schools across Kwara State Nigeria. EDUCARE: Journal of Primary Education, 6(1), 65–80. https://doi.org/10.35719/educare.v6i1.360

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