https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7160-9943
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Abstract
Parents' contentment with their child's education is the subject of a modest but increasing corpus of research. However, little has been done to identify specific school services that attract parents' attention. This study assessed institutional variables and how they influence parental satisfaction with the quality of teaching, care for pupils, and safety. A random sample of parents (n = 1,413) participated in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires, admission registers and staff disposition lists. The instruments passed through validity and reliability processes. Cronbach alpha estimates ranging from .81 to .84 provided evidence of internal consistency. Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for analysis after data collection. Significant mean differences were found in parental contentment with the quality of teaching, care for pupils and pupils' safety based on schools' security, size, proximity and environmental attributes. Parents were more content with schools that provided safety, low teacher-pupil ratio, home proximity, and a learning-friendly environment. This study proved that school attributes are essential in determining parents' contentment with public primary school services. Parents become dissatisfied when their children are not receiving good services and may react by withdrawing them to other schools in search of greener pastures. This implies that parents' continued discontent with services will lead to a decline in future enrolment figures in public primary schools unless something is done promptly. Therefore, the government should provide school facilities for effective teaching and learning to improve public perception and contentment.
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Additional information
Notes on contributors
Onyinye Chuktu
Dr. Onyinye Chuktu, a lecturer at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, specializes in Educational Management, Planning, and Policy Analysis. She is a member of professional associations, including the Nigerian Association for Educational Administration and Planning, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, and the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Valentine J. Owan
Valentine Joseph Owan is a committed researcher, with a Master's Degree in Research, Measurement, and Evaluation. Proficient in quantitative methods, he explores diverse areas such as Educational Assessment, Structural Equation Modelling and more. Owan has made substantial academic contributions through publications in esteemed journals and active participation in professional associations.
Kingsley B. Abang
Dr. Kingsley Bekom Abang is a lecturer at the University of Calabar since 2017. Holding a B.Ed., M.Ed., and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, he actively engages in teaching, research, and student mentoring. As a member of different professional associations, he has contributed to various conferences and published in academic journals.
Delight O. Idika
Dr. Delight Omoji Idika, a senior lecturer at the University of Calabar, transitioned from a college teacher to academia. Holding a Ph.D. in Educational Research and Statistics, she is currently a Senior Lecturer. She is a member of professional associations, actively contributing to teaching, research, and community service.
Effiom E. Ekpo
Dr. Effiom Eyo Ekpo is a lecturer the University of Calabar since 2016. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and is actively teaching and mentoring students. He has published articles in local and international journals and a member of professional bodies.
Esther E. Ekon
Dr. (Mrs.) Esther E. Ekon, a seasoned Nigerian educator with a Ph.D. in Science Education. Active in student development, departmental roles, and impactful research, she focuses on Science Education, especially in Biology and Basic Science. She demonstrates commitment to educational excellence and is affiliated with STAN, ACEN, and TRCN.
Felicia A.-O. Dan
Dr. Mrs. Felicia Agbor-Obun Dan, a highly qualified educator, with a Ph.D in Health Education. With a background in Physical and Health Education, she serves as a lecturer at the University of Calabar and has contributed to the academic community through her research engagements and mentorship.
Richard A. Ojini
Dr Richard Ayuh Ojini is a senior lecturer at the Department of Educational Foundations, University of Calabar. He holds a doctoral degree in Research, Measurement and Evaluation. He has widely published in both the Nigerian and Foreign Literature. He is a registered member of different professional association.
Maria O. Sunday
Dr. Maria Ofie Sunday, lectures at the University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. She holds a Ph.D in Educational Psychology. She is well published in journals and has presented at several conferences. She is affiliated to the Association for Childhood Educators Nigeria and the Nigerian Society for Educational Psychologists.
Augustine I. Robert
Augustine Igwe Robert is a lecturer at the Department of Social Science Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. He holds a master’s degree in Research, Measurement and Evaluation. He is currently a doctoral candidate of Education Economics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He has publications in several peer-reviewed journals.
Peter O. Aduma
Peter Owogoga Aduma is a postgraduate student at the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Calabar. His research interests include health promotion, school safety and community health. He is a registered member of different associations, such as the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, among others.