The Influence of Family Socio-Economic Status on the Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in Computer Studies in Bauchi Metropolis of Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of family socioeconomic status, on the academic achievement of Secondary School Students in Computer studies at Bauchi Metropolis in Bauchi Local Government of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select 180 students, from 36 public schools making a total population of seven thousand three hundred and sixty four (7,364) students. Three research questions were used to guide the study. Pearson-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to obtain the co-efficient of reliability. Also, data on students' academic achievement was obtained from student scores in computer studies. Data obtained was analyzed using simple descriptive statistical techniques. Multiple regression results revealed that, parental socioeconomic status and parental occupation has significantly influenced students' academic achievement, as students whose parents had better jobs and higher levels of educational attainment, and who were exposed to more educational and cultural resources at home tended to perform better than their counterparts, without such opportunities. The study identified parental occupation as the main predictive variable, influencing student's academic achievement. However, increase in parental salaries in line with the current economic situation, as well as the provision of adequate books and facilities in schools, to breach the gap between the high and the low socioeconomic status, are recommended in order to improve the academic achievement of students. The result of the data analysis shows that, socioeconomic background significantly influences self-concept and academic achievement of students.