SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SECONDARY EDUCATION IN APA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of socio-cultural factors on economic growth in secondary education within Apa 
Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. The research focused on socio-cultural factors such as parental 
attitudes, gender roles, cultural beliefs, and religious practices, examining how these factors influenced student 
participation, retention, and academic performance—critical components for economic growth in education. A 
descriptive survey design was adopted, with a study population of 2,108 individuals selected from four secondary 
schools in the area using a random sampling technique. A sample of 200 respondents, including students, teachers, 
and school administrators, participated in the study. Data were collected using a titled "Socio-cultural Factors and 
Economic growth in Education Questionnaire" (SFEGQ), a validated instrument with a reliability coefficient of 
0.76, as determined by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Analysis established a significant relationship between socio
cultural factors and educational outcomes, revealing that socio-cultural practices significantly impacted school 
attendance, dropout rates, and academic achievement. The study provided recommendations for policymakers, 
educators, and community leaders to address the adverse effects of socio-cultural factors on education and foster 
economic growth in Benue State’s education sector.