Marital Instability, Single Parenthood and GirlChild Academic Performance in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State

Abstract

The study examined the upshots of marital instability and single 
parenthood on the academic performance of girl-child in Akure South 
Local Government Area of Ondo State Nigeria. The descriptive 
research design was adopted for the study. Findings revealed that low 
or lack of income is one of the major challenges faced by single 
parents. Furthermore, the study revealed that single parents lack 
partners that they can share both the monetary and child care 
responsibilities. The study concluded that most parents are 
encountered with various hindrances such as emotional, social, 
financial, and economic problems which results in behaviours which 
are unacceptable in the society by their children such as cultism, 
alcohol and drug addiction. Alcoholism and drug abuse can lead to 
serious health challenges. A girl-child who abuses alcohol and drugs is 
more likely to struggle with addiction later in life likewise have 
permanent and brain damage. It is therefore recommended that couples with marital related issues should seek help from social 
workers for guidance. Marriage and family life counsellors should 
organize education seminars on the influence of marital instability and 
single parenthood on children especially the girl-child on educational 
performance. There is a need for vital consideration for policymakers, 
government and other stakeholders to promote the academic 
performance of children who are products of broken homes.