Evelyn Ijeoma Orji
Abstract
This study adopted survey research design. Through non probability sampling, the principals and their deputies in the 81 public secondary schools in the study area constituted both the population and sample. Out of 243 principals and their deputies, 192 who were accessible constituted the sample for this study. The instrument entitled “Factors Responsible for Students’ Dropout Questionnaire” (FRF-SDQ) was considered valid base on the recommendation by expert reviewers in the area of Measurement and Evaluation in the Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar. Two research questions were answered using descriptive statistics and one hypothesis tested using chi-square statistical tool. Results showed that there is a significant association on perception of the principals and their deputies on class size and availability of seats and desks as factors responsible for students dropout in the schools in the study area. Findings also showed that other factors apart from classroom conditions were perceived by the principals as the contributing factors to students’ dropout in the study. Conclusion was drawn. Among the recommendations made was that government should ensure that its schools have appropriate class size and enough seats and desks for the students to enhance their motivation to complete school.