INCIDENCE OF ABSENTEEISM AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of absenteeism among secondary school students in Egor Local Government area of Edo State. The three research questions are:
1.    Does students educational level influence absenteeism?
2.    Does school ownership influence student’sabsenteeism
3.    Is gender responsible for student absenteeism
The population ofthis study consists of all SS1-SS3 student in Egor Local government area of Edo state and a simple random methods was used in selecting four schools (two private and two public). A questionnaire was used to collect data on the rate of absenteeism in secondary schools. The findings revealed that educational level of students was responsible for absenteeism, school ownership influence student absenteeism and gender influence student absenteeism.
The rate of absenteeism observed in this study is reasonable, therefore parents teachers and school administrators should educate students on the effects of absenteeism on students and the socio-economic consequences.
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
1.1    Background to the study-    -    -    -    -
1.2    Statement of the problem    -    -
1.3    Research Question    -    -    -    -    -
1.4    Purpose of the study    -    -    -    -    
1.5    Significance of the study    -    -
1.6    Scope and Delimitation of the study    -    -
1.7    Definition of terms    -    -    -    
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1    Nature of absenteeism in schools    -    -    
2.2    Forms of absenteeism in schools    -
2.2.1    Causes of absenteeism in schools    -
2.2.2    Effects of absenteeism in schools    -    -
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1    Population     -    -    
3.2    Sample and sampling technique    -    -    -    
3.3    Instrumentation    -    -    -    -
3.4    Validity of instrument    -    -    -    
3.5    Method of data collection    -    
3.6    Data analysis    -    -    -
CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
4.1    Data analysis and interpretation    
4.2    Discussion of findings    -    
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
5.1    Finding    -    -    -    
5.2    Conclusion    -    -    -    -
5.3    Recommendation     -    -
5.4    Suggestions for further study    -    -    -
References    -    -    -    -    -    -    
Appendix     -    -    
CHAPTER ONE
1.1    BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
    Absenteeism among secondary school students appears to be a serious and continuous problem that seems to transcend and defile all the strategies put in place by educational administrators in developing countries.
    The issue of absenteeism among secondary school students is not a new phenomenon, it is rather an old one. The incidence of absenteeism is mainly a student home based problem therefore there is need for the students, parents and teachers ot help identify and proffer solutions to this problem which could lead ot student drop out form school. The problem has persistently existed and if measures are not taken to rescue the situation, the society will continue producing indiscipline and irresponsible citizens which will be a big loss to families, communities and society in general. Two of the most important agencies that are responsible for the proper development of the children are the home and the school. As such educationists are increasingly interested in the incidence of absenteeism and the academic performance of students and if is believed that the incidence vary wisely according to the sophistication of the teaching opportunities provided for student.
    Ubogu (2004) identified illness, financial hardship, age, social class, educational level, permitted leave, geographical area as some causes of absenteeism. Unacceptable absence has a negative relationship on peer relationship, which could leaded to absenteeism.
    Davidson (2003) explained further that teacher identified effects of absenteeism on students as academic underachievement, increase cost and wastages, difficulty in making friends which could leads to boredom, loss of confidence and engagement in primitive sexual activity which could lead to pregnancy, drop out and stress among young students. The society also suffer as children of school age hang around in the streets intimidation other people and stealing properties of those who are in school or other place of work. There is need for a positive relationship between the school and the community in order toascertain the frequency of absenteeism in secondary schools. The purpose of this study is to focus attention on the causes and incidence of absenteeism among secondary school students. It is also to highlight some corrective measures to aid students who find themselves in this category to perform better in school and to the society at large.
    A recent report commissioned by the bravely explained the major effect of absenteeism among secondary school students as a chronic problem faced by educational administrators. The report illustrates the statistics of the percentage increase in the number of teaches in secondary schools and also the frequency of absenteeism in secondary schools. In Nigeria, criminal records reveals that, most of those involved in criminal activities are either drop out from school for other criminal activities. About 70% of student involved in continuous absenteeism also drop out from schools. Also lateness can lead to absenteeism and eventually drop out.
1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
    The incidence of absenteeism among secondary school students in our society is on the increase. Absenteeism which is an antisocial behavior of students have been so highly talked about  in our society. The extent to which absenteeism has affected our society in recent times cannot be over emphasized. In Nigeria crime rates could be traced to youth involvement in criminal activities and these youths could either be school dropout or students on school uniforms but divert from school to engage in criminal activities. This unending problems of absenteeism, truancy, dropout, academic performance and increase  in youth involved in crimes called for the following questions.
1.    What are the causes of absenteeism among secondary school students in Edo State
2.    What are the incidence of absenteeism among secondary school student in Edo State.
3.    Is there any relationship between absenteeism and academic performance of student?
1.3    RESEARCH QUESTIONS
    In the course of this study to unravel the incidence of absenteeism among secondary school students in Edo State, the following questions are raised:
1.    Does the educational level of students influence absenteeism
2.    Does school ownership influence absenteeism among secondary school students?
3.    Is gender responsible for absenteeism among secondary school students?
1.4    PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
    The purpose of this study is to find out the incidence of absenteeism among secondary school students in Egor Local Government area of Edo state. This study  will also  seek measures in addressing this menace to the bearest minimum in our society , precisely Edo State
1.5    SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY
    The essence of this study is that the findings would be of tremendous help to educators, teachers, parents,  guardians, government. Patents would get to know the extent of absenteeism by their children and help them accordingly. The school management would be able to meet instructional targets and their goals. The school management would also be proud of their academic standard since reliable and enviable products would be emerging out of the school in a dramatic manner. The government would be relieved of the pressure of meaningless and extravagant spending in curbing criminal activities by drop outs.
1.6    SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY
    This study is designed to examine the incidence of absenteeism among secondary school students in Egor Local Government  Area of edo state. There are many secondary schools in Egor local government area but for the purpose of this study, the researcher would select for secondary schools in Egor Local government area for the study.
1.7    DEFINITION OF TERMS
Incidence: The extent which something happens or has an effect. It means frequency, occurrence and rate of something undesirable
Absenteeism: The fact of being frequently away from work or school.
Truancy: The practice of staying away from school without permission.