WELCOME TO KENTERPRO:
CHILDBIRTH SPACING AND ITS INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Education is widely regarded as a fundamental tool for human development and progress. It is a vital aspect of life that empowers individuals with knowledge, skills, and values necessary for personal growth and societal advancement. Education not only enhances one’s intellectual capacity but also improves their social and economic well-being. Education is a powerful tool that can positively impact all areas of an individual’s life (Ahmed, 2019). It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for personal growth and societal advancement. Education plays a critical role in the social, economic, and political development of any nation. It empowers individuals with the ability to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions. Education not only enhances an individual’s intellectual capacity but also improves their social and economic well-being. Education can increase an individual’s income potential, improve their job prospects, and provide them with opportunities for career advancement. Educated individuals are more likely to secure well-paying jobs, have access to healthcare, and live longer, healthier lives. According Hamza (2017) education also has a positive impact on the society at large. It promotes social cohesion and reduces inequality by providing individuals with equal opportunities to learn and succeed. Educated individuals are better equipped to participate in civic life, understand complex social issues, and advocate for change. They are more likely to engage in community service and contribute to the overall development of their community. Furthermore, education is essential for promoting global development and reducing poverty. This is why Bitrus (2021) postulated that it is a key factor in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Education is central to the SDGs as it can facilitate progress towards achieving all other goals. Education empowers individuals to become agents of change and to work towards creating a more just and equitable world. It is impossible for any child to attain these level of education without the assistance of the parents.

Educational attainment, according to Alabi (2017) is the amount to which an individual is willing to acquire education which might comprise the levels of nursery, primary, secondary, and university education. Educational attainment has been shown to have a strong correlation with various positive outcomes, including better employment opportunities, higher wages, improved health, and increased social mobility. Educational attainment is a critical factor that plays a significant role in determining an individual’s success and well-being. It refers to the level of education an individual has completed, such as primary, secondary, or tertiary education. Studies have consistently shown that there is a strong correlation between educational attainment and various positive outcomes in life. In Nigeria, according to Jwanse (2021) educational attainment is often used as a measure of an individual’s knowledge and abilities, and it can determine their potential for success in the workforce. It refers to the highest level of formal education that an individual has completed, which is typically measured by a diploma, degree, or other certification.

The state of educational attainment in Nigerian secondary schools is multifaceted and presents both challenges and opportunities. While Nigeria has made progress in improving access to secondary education, there are still significant issues that need to be addressed. One of the key challenges is the low quality of education, reflected in poor infrastructure, inadequate learning materials, and a shortage of qualified teachers. According to Henry (2021)  these factors contribute to low student performance and hinder the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills. Additionally, there are disparities in educational attainment across different regions, with rural areas and marginalized communities facing greater obstacles in accessing quality education. Gender disparities also persist, particularly in northern Nigeria, where cultural norms and socio-economic factors limit girls’ enrollment and retention in schools. Furthermore, the high dropout rates and low completion rates pose significant barriers to educational attainment. Economic factors, such as poverty and the cost of schooling, often force students to leave school prematurely. However, amidst these challenges, there are also positive developments. Efforts are being made to improve the curriculum and teaching methods, with a focus on STEM education and skills development. Government initiatives, such as the Universal Basic Education program and scholarship schemes, aim to enhance access and equity in secondary education. Furthermore, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations are working to address educational gaps and provide support to disadvantaged students. According to Francis (2022) the advancement of technology and e-learning platforms also holds promise for expanding access to quality education. In conclusion, while the state of educational attainment in Nigerian secondary schools faces significant challenges, concerted efforts and targeted interventions can help improve access, quality, and equity, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to the nation’s development.

Child spacing is the practise of waiting between pregnancies in order to have more children. Following pregnancy, a woman’s body has to be given time to relax. When a woman has a child, it is recommended that she wait at least 18 months before trying to conceive again in order to maintain the best possible health for both her body and her child. “Birth spacing” is the term used to describe the 18-month period of rest. When a woman has a period of fewer than 18 months between pregnancies, her body may not be prepared to give birth to a healthy child (Harrison, 2017). Women who do not wait at least 18 months between pregnancies are at an elevated risk of having a child who is born prematurely (such as a premature birth or a low birth weight baby). Both the health of the child and the health of the mother can be jeopardised by these circumstances. In the past, these disorders were linked to increased infant mortality as well as other short- and long-term health issues. This implies that child spacing may include consideration of the number of children a woman chooses to have, as well as the option of having no children and deciding when she wants to have them. External factors such as marital status, professional considerations, financial circumstances, and any infirmities that may impair their capacity to have children and raise them all have an impact on these decisions (Adeoti, 2009). It is possible that having fewer children will result in more resources being allocated to each child, increased educational involvement, and a reduction in child labour (Huisman and Smits, 2009). In addition to preventing the impending tragedy of overpopulation, child spacing is important for the health of mothers since it prevents unwanted abortions and lowers the number of times a woman gives birth to her children.  Furthermore, child spacing is vital for the educational attainment of children as a whole.

The relationship between child spacing, which refers to the time interval between the birth of one child and the next, and educational attainment is complex and influenced by various factors. Research suggests that shorter birth intervals can have a negative impact on a child’s educational attainment. When children are born too closely together, there may be limited resources, time, and attention available for each child, leading to reduced parental investment in their education. Parents may struggle to provide adequate support and guidance, both financially and emotionally, which can hinder a child’s educational opportunities. According to Shie (2011), a closely spaced sibling can create competition for resources and attention within the household, diverting parental focus away from the educational needs of each child. Additionally, shorter birth intervals can increase the likelihood of maternal health issues and maternal mortality, which can further disrupt a child’s educational trajectory. On the other hand, longer birth intervals have been associated with positive educational outcomes. With more time between births, parents have the opportunity to recover physically and emotionally, and they may be better able to invest in their children’s education. Parents may have more financial stability, which can translate into better educational resources and opportunities for their children. Additionally, longer birth intervals can allow for greater spacing of parental attention, fostering a more conducive environment for individual learning and development. However, it is important to note that the relationship between child spacing and educational attainment is influenced by numerous contextual factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural norms, access to healthcare, and overall family dynamics. Therefore, while longer birth intervals may be associated with better educational outcomes, it is not the sole determining factor, and other social and economic factors also play a significant role in shaping a child’s educational attainment.

Therefore, understanding the relationship between childbirth spacing and educational attainment is crucial for promoting education and empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential. This study aims to investigate the impact of childbirth spacing on the educational attainment of secondary students in Pankshin LGA and provide insights for policymakers and educators to develop effective interventions to support adolescent mothers and promote education.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The alarmingly low levels of educational attainment among school-aged children have been a subject of concern for those involved in the educational system. Children who are not appropriately spaced become a challenge when it comes to distributing them across the classroom. Children in a clustered family have lower educational attainment prospects because majority of them drop out of school or never attend any school at all as a result of an excessive amount of responsibility placed on the head of the family, which results in a lack of resources to send all of the children to school in the first place. This is especially prevalent among poor families in rural areas, who are particularly vulnerable. On the other hand, research from throughout the world indicates that parents who practise child spacing provide their children with a greater opportunity to attend good schools and achieve higher levels of educational attainment. Such parents are more concerned with providing the greatest education possible to the few children they have. Because they have more resources to dedicate to their individual children, they have been able to provide them with additional facilities and educationally oriented properties. As a result, it is an undeniable fact that child spacing has an impact on the educational attainment of a family. People who do not follow child spacing are likely to be unaware of the concept of having a limited family size, which can be taught to them through child spacing counselling that is helpful in educating all members of Nigerian society.

 Because of this, this research aims to determine the influence of child spacing on the educational attainment of the family as a whole. The standard of living of the people, which is determined by the number of children in the household, must also be considered. Educational attainment is determined by the number of children in the household and the level of awareness about child spacing among the population. The purpose of the study is to determine whether or not people in the study region require counselling on child spacing and whether or not they are knowledgeable about child spacing.

1.3. Purpose of the Study

 The primary goal of this research is to determine the benefits of child spacing on the academic attainment of children in Pankshin Local Government Area. Other specific objectives of the research include the following:

1. Examine the influence of child spacing on students’ enrolment in secondary schools in Pankshin.
2. Discuss the influence of child spacing on academic performance of students in Pankshin.

• Determine the influence of child spacing on educational attainment level of children in Pankshin.

1. Find out measures that can be adopted to create child spacing awareness among parents and couples.

1.4. Research Questions

 The following research questions were posed to serve as a guide for the investigation:

1. What is the influence of child spacing on students’ enrolment in secondary schools in Pankshin?
2. What is the influence of child spacing on academic performance of students in Pankshin?
3. What is the influence of child spacing on educational attainment level of children in Pankshin?
4. What are the measures that can be adopted to create child spacing awareness among parents and couples?

1.5. Research Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses were postulated to be tested at 0.05 levels of significance:

H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between child spacing and students’ enrolment in secondary schools in Pankshin.

H₀₂: There is no significant relationship between child spacing on academic performance of students in Pankshin.

H₀₃: There is no significant relationship between child spacing educational attainment level of children in Pankshin.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of this study cannot be quantified. Parents, government officials, and policymakers will all profit from the findings of this research.

Policy Implications: The findings of the study can provide valuable evidence-based information to policymakers and health officials to develop programs and policies aimed at promoting adequate childbirth spacing and improving educational outcomes in Pankshin LGA. For example, the study may recommend interventions such as improving access to family planning services, promoting reproductive health education, and providing support to families with children.

Better Understanding of the Relationship: The study will help to establish whether there is a significant relationship between childbirth spacing and educational attainment among secondary children in Pankshin LGA. This can help to better understand the factors that influence educational outcomes in the region, and provide insights into the importance of adequate childbirth spacing.

Practical Implications for Families: The results of the study will be useful for families in Pankshin LGA, as they will be able to make informed decisions about childbirth spacing and its potential impact on their children’s education. For example, families may choose to space out their children’s births to ensure that they have adequate resources to support their education.

Contribution to Existing Literature: The study will add to the body of literature on the relationship between childbirth spacing and educational attainment, particularly in a rural context such as Pankshin LGA. This can help to inform future research in the field and provide valuable insights into the factors that influence educational outcomes in rural areas.

Identification of Potential Interventions: The study may identify potential interventions that can be implemented to improve educational outcomes among children in Pankshin LGA, such as promoting family planning and reproductive health education. This can help to inform public health strategies aimed at improving educational outcomes and reducing educational disparities in the region.

1.6. Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The researcher is aware of other issues that need to be addressed in the domains of family and education. The geographical scope of the study is secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area. The content scope of the study is child spacing and its influence on educational attainment. Despite the fact that the study is restricted to a single local government area, the conclusions of the study will be applicable to other sections of the state and the country as a whole.

1.7. Definition of Terms  

            The following terms are defined with regards to how they are used in this study:

Academic Attainment: A person’s level of educational attainment is the extent to which he or she has been able to achieve his or her educational goals.

Parent: A male or female adult who gives birth to a younger human being is referred to as a parent.

Family: The term “family” refers to the grouping of a mother, father, and children. Alternatively, it could be a single parent (father or mother) and their children.

Family Size: The total number of people that live in a given family is referred to as the family size.

Counselling: Counseling is the practice of providing direction to an individual in order to assist him or her in discovering herself or himself.

Benefits: The significance of something to an individual is expressed in terms of its advantages. It does this by assisting the individual in a specific manner.

Child spacing: Child spacing is defined as the amount of time that elapses between two births or pregnancies.

Enrolment: This refers to the degree of attendance by an individual or group of individuals.

Children Enrolment: This is the extent to which children attend schools. Children enrolment could be high or low depending on the how important parents deem education is for their children. Sometimes, the enrolment of children in school is hampard by finances.