The Effect of Broken Home on The Academic Performance of Pupils

Problems Encountered by the Broken Homes on the Academic Performance of the Pupils

         Rodeny (1985) said that “Broken homes do not help children develop as self actualized individuals. Consequently such a practice rather breeds social deviants to the detriment of the society” (p. 10). Consequently the practice as it is currently in vogue in Nigeria, if not curtailed, there will be an astronomical rise in crimes of all kinds, prostitution, drug abuse, hired assassins and other delinquent behaviours. Children from broken homes are usually associated with stealing. The act of stealing in whatever form once it manifests in a child is an index of delinquency. It has been noticed that Nigerian youth, many from broken homes are more into the habit of picking pocket shop lifting, actual armed robbery and 419 (those who dupe others). Any child who steals must have emulated a senior member of his family or his growing up environment had been improvised that he resorts to stealing to meet his primary needs. Once a habit is formed, it becomes difficult to break except there is a conscious effort. The broken family due to financial problem cannot afford for the children adequately in schools.

         Adesina (1975) is of the view that “the effect of broken home in the education of the child has failed in educating them as supposed. Instead the child started taking drugs because they have difficulty with life generally”  (p. 30).

         They do not mix well with others properly and have the tendency to drift into anti-social behaviour. The word “drug” is perhaps most commonly used to describe narcotics that effect the central nervous systems that current discipline problem in Nigeria is associated with. Another problem with this group of people is their alcohol drinking habit. They may not be known as alcoholics but rather problem drinkers. Adhesina (1975) further stated that,

There is some evidence from prospective surveys of general teenage population from broken homes which h indicates that dysfunctional attitude and personality factors including depression low self esteem, rebelliousness and low aspiration are associated with the initial use of illicit drugs (p. 37).

The above statements are saying that children from broken homes take to drugs when their academic pursuit cannot be achieved.

         Broken homes constitute a major source of stress on the single parent and the education of their child. This is because he or she is now compelled to play dual roles of both the father and mother. This over stretches the parents leading to several physical and psychological disorderness.