PUBLIC MISSION SCHOOLS IN FOSTERING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND MORAL INTEGRITY IN ANAMBRA STATE: AN APPRAISAL

Abstract

This study appraised the role of public mission schools in fostering academic excellence and moral integrity among secondary school students in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study was guided by three research questions and adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised 150 respondents: 100 teachers and 50 students and parents drawn from five public mission schools within the study area. A well-structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. The findings revealed that public mission schools are highly effective in promoting academic excellence, integrating moral education into academic activities, and maintaining high moral standards. However, the study also identified several threats that limit their effectiveness in fostering academic excellence and moral integrity among secondary school students in the area. These challenges include inadequate government funding, parental negligence, and a shortage of qualified teachers, among others. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to encourage these schools to maintain their standards and to ensure proper examination of disciplinary structures in order to enhance students’ academic performance. The government and parents were also urged to fulfill their responsibilities in empowering and supporting these schools.