Exploring Parents and Teachers Perceptions on Causes and Effects of Drug Abuse on Academic Pursuit of Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Nasarawa State

Abstract

The researchers conducted a research work on causes and effects of Drug abuse on Academic
pursuit of Students in selected Secondary Schools in Nasarawa state. The study had six
objectives, and as a guide six null hypotheses were raised. Descriptive survey design was
adopted for the study. The study targeted 3879 parents and teachers that attended Parents,
Teachers Association (PTA) meetings in selected five secondary schools in the state. The
sample size was 776, comprising 622 parents and 154 teachers. Data were generated
through four rating structured questionnaire. SPSS was used to analyze data collected using
regression analysis to test null hypotheses one, two and three, while t-test was used to test null hypotheses four, five and six. All the null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of
significance. The study revealed, among others, that 88% of the variance in academic
pursuit of students is attributed to drug abuse. Among the recommendations provided to
address the situation is that parents should monitor the activities of their children and guide
the type of friends they move with. This will help to protect them from undue influence of
friends on their attitude towards the use of unauthorized drugs.