ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Science Education is designed to guide the world towards a scientifically literate society. It is important for an understanding of science as it offers personal fulfillment and excitements. The world is confronted daily with issues that require scientific way of thinking for informed discussion, management and sharing of resources such as air, water and vegetation (Ellis, 2010). The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) (2002), as reported in Akporehwe and Onwiodukit (2013) affirmed the role of Science and Technology Education as an enabler for sustainable development. Nigerian Government in acknowledging the strategic role science holds for national development has directed University as a matter of policy to admit candidates on a ratio of 60:40 in favor of science courses. The major index used for assessing scientific advancement through education is the performance of the students. Obemeata (1995) asserted that the achievement of technological development through education depends largely on the performance of secondary school students in science and mathematics. Olatoye (2002) opined that science education lays foundation for work in science-related fields by acquainting learners with certain knowledge skills and attitudes. Ogbonna (2007) observed that there has been a .world-wide recognition of science and thereby science education has found a central place in the curricula of school at all levels. Public and private schools are institutions owned as the names denote. The public school in Nigeria have Federal State, and Local Governments as their proprietors while the private schools have individuals, associations or organisations as the owners. Berkeley Parent Network (2009) asserted that private schools vary widely and level of parental involvement varies from one private school to the other. What is important for a parent is to choose private school that has characteristics that match what they are looking for as a family.

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