EFFECT OF CHILD LABOUR ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In Nigeria, the unpleasant experience of child labor dates back to roughly 1882. Some believe that allowing youngsters to engage in economic activities is the root of the problem (Shier, 1885). They say that childhood should be used mostly for learning and play, with only modest household responsibilities serving as labor. They argue that even when children are not abused, their engagement in the labor reduces adult incomes and employment, and hence contributes to the poverty that forces them to work. Because virtually all working children are regarded to be at risk by definition, the only method to lessen endangerment is to eliminate child labor. The ultimate objective of action, in their opinion, should be the abolition of all types of child labor. Those who argue that labor, when done properly and under supervision, is an important vehicle for youth socialization, training, and self-esteem (Lewis, 1992) take a different stance. They believe that children's economic engagement is appropriate as long as it promotes healthy development, and that the true issue is children's unique vulnerability when they enter the labor market. Although they favor the removal of child participation in hazardous labor, they believe that young people who want to work should be able to do so, and that a lack of adequate job alternatives for minors is as much of an issue as exploitative working circumstances (Ricki, 1997). Proponents of this viewpoint argue that banning child labor without first increasing family real income from other means will result in tragedy for the poor, causing even more children to be impoverished. The main concern for them is how to ensure the safety and development of youngsters who work. These perspectives are partly the result of ideological disagreements, but they also reflect the complexity of the issue (child labor), which is riddled with inconsistencies and paradoxes. Dealing effectively with the issue of child labor necessitates putting in the time and effort required to comprehend its complexities. Effective programming necessitates an understanding of the problem from a variety of angles, even those that appear to be at odds. Without this understanding, there is a risk of launching simple measures that are not only unsuccessful, but may even be harmful to the children's welfare (Shier, 1894). Unfortunately, this has happened many times before. The majority of countries describe the problem of working children piecemeal. Rather than seeing it as a whole, treat it as a collection of concerns. In some cases, it is treated only as a labor policy problem, neglecting its essential links to economic, educational, health, law enforcement, social assistance, and family policies. In other circumstances, the issue is addressed as a social work issue, with the goal of only alleviating symptoms rather than attacking the problem's foundations in significant political, social, and economic issues (David, 1990). Purely sectoral definitions of the problem lead to absurdities such as police officers treating working children as a law enforcement problem, welfare agencies treating them as a social assistance problem, child rights advocates treating them as a human rights problem, educators treating them as a school dropout problem, and so on, while virtually no one understands the problem as it is experienced by the impoverished children at its heart. Advocates, lawmakers, planners, and administrators should have a greater understanding of what it's like to be a disadvantaged young worker trying to do what's best for himself and his family while having very little alternatives. Obtaining a little portion of such knowledge might be a useful starting point for more deeply, thoroughly, and humanely seeing the challenge of safeguarding working children (Jackie, 1998). Work should be evaluated not just in terms of immediate safety and welfare for children, but also in terms of their long-term physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and moral development. It is necessary to examine both bad and positive consequences.

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Child labour is prevalent among people of all races across the world, and it has posed a problem to every successful nation, particularly in Nigeria (John, 2000). Many debates and significant papers have been conducted to address this topic, yet the problem remains unsolved. Rather, it appears to be becoming worse by the day. As a result, the researchers decided to look into the topic in order to reawaken parents to their obligations (Fred, 2003). The researchers' main goal is to look at the impact of child labour on the academic performance of senior secondary school students in Kaduna State's Chikun Local Government Area.

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The research investigates the impact of child labour on the academic performance of junior secondary students in Kaduna State's Chikun Local Government Area.

The following topics are of interest to the researchers:

i.   To investigate how child labor affects academic accomplishment

ii.  To discover why children drop out of school and begin working early

iii. To investigate the effects of education on the effects of child labor on academic achievement.

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTION

The researcher will seek to answer the following questions in order to establish a credible premise upon which to defend the topic and act as a guide.

i. Is there a link between child labor and academic achievement among children in junior secondary schools in Kaduna State's Chikun Local Government Area?

ii. Does parental care affect child labor and academic achievement in junior secondary schools in Kaduna State's Chikun L.G.A?

iii. What are the key factors that affect child labor?

1.5     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to look at the effects of child labor on students' academic progress in junior secondary schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

i.  It will draw parents' attention to their responsibilities toward their children.

ii. It will allow the government to learn about the effects of child labor on student academic achievement.

iii.  It will allow the government to learn about the contributions of people in Chikun to their child development program to the substance of academic achievement.

iv. The research will help students understand how child labor affects their academic performance.

v.  The study will be used as a guide for students who are writing on a similar topic.

1.6     DELIMINATION OF THE STUDY

The study solely looks at how child labour, among other factors, affects the academic results of Junior Secondary School students in Chikun Local Government Area,  Kaduna State.

1.7     DEFINITION OF TERMS

Child: According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is defined as a human person under the age of 18 who is not subject to the laws that apply to children.

Labour: According to Melchiorrc, A (2004), labor is defined as physical or mental exertion, particularly when difficult or arduous task is involved.

Child Labor : Child labor, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), is defined as employment that lasts longer than a set number of hours, which varies based on the age of the child and the nature of job.

Academic: This is a broad phrase describing a collection of individuals or an organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts, literature, science, or any other branch of knowledge.

Achievement: This refers to achieving whatever objective you've set for yourself, rather than making a lot of money.

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