Effects of Poverty on Educational Attainment of Secondary School Students in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of poverty on educational attainment of secondary school students in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study design was descriptive survey. The population of the study is 8,560 members of Youth Clubs/Associations in the LGA. The sample size used for the study was 865 youths which represents 10% of the study population. Data were collected through questionnaire on whether poverty of parents affect their ward’s performance in examinations, the quality of schools they attend, and the level of education ultimately attained. Analysis was done using mean statistical tool for the research questions while chi-square was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha levels. The findings reveal that poverty of parents negatively affect their ward’s academic performance, the quality of schools their wards attend and the level of education ultimately attained. Recommendations were made inter alia that government should establish a social welfare scheme for the poor and needy.