Name: Chinemelu, Uchechukwu Divine Dept: Sociology/Anthropology Topic: Impacts of child labour on academic performance: A study of Junior Secondary Students of Model Secondary School, Nsukka. 1.1 Background to the study The issue of child labour and its implication on the academic performance of numerous children has become an issue of great interest to human right activist and international bodies. Western education serves as the primary catalyst for social transformation in Nigeria, embodying the safest and most effective investment a nation can use to advance its economic and human resources, as suggested by Ifeakandu (2011). In times of dire need for economic balance, it is imperative to recognize that education is a long-term policy that must be pursued. Like nations across the globe, Nigeria seeks individuals who can contribute to the country's advancement through education. This educational system should equip students with the knowledge and skills to uphold cultural values while progressing technologically, as noted by (Fayokun 2015). Child labour has surged to 160 million globally, marking the first increase in two decades, as a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). This number reflects a rise of 8.4 million children over the past four years, with additional millions now at risk due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The alarming increase particularly pronounced among children aged 5 - 11, who now make up more than half of the global child labour figures. Furthermore, the number of children aged 5 17 engaged in hazardous work, which jeopardizes their health, safety, and morals, has risen by 65 million to reach 79 million since 2016. However in Sub-Saharan Africa, children involved in child labour due to population growth, crises, poverty, and insufficient social protection measures has witnessed an additional 16 million. Even in regions that previously made progress, such as Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean, COVID-19 has endangered these gains. In certain regions of Nigeria, children are found working as street hawkers, shoe shiners, car washers, scavengers, and foot washers in public places and markets, with "almajirai" being a term associated with child beggars in Northern Nigeria. The surge in child labour can be attributed to the demand for cheap labour and the prevalence of poverty and other factors. Child labour, defined as the employment of a child who is still of compulsory school age, which continues to pose a significant global issue that has sparked intense debate in recent decades (Dammert, 2008). The concept of child labour is inherently intricate. The term "child labour" is a fusion of two elements: "child" in reference to their age, and "labour" concerning its nature, extent, and income-generating potential (Jayanti, 2008). The definition of "labour" is contentious, particularly when applied in the context of child work, and "child labour" and "child work" are frequently used interchangeably. Academic performance on the other hand is how pupils or students deal with their studies and how they cope with or accomplish their different task given to them by their teachers. Historically, children in Nigeria have been encouraged to work with their families to acquire essential skills for adulthood. However, the current situation forces children to labour for their own and their families' survival. This financial contribution from children's families has become a lifeline for impoverished households. Child labour not only leads to high dropout rates in primary and secondary schools but also involvement in criminal activities and substance abuse, hindering human capital development and stifling the potential of developing countries like Nigeria. Early employment, especially among young children, is widely recognized as detrimental to their cognitive and physical development, as pointed out by Alemika in 1996. Child labour not only impedes access to education but also hampers the ability to benefit from schooling, posing a substantial obstacle to achieving the Education For All goals (EFA). Child domestic labour in third-party households, as highlighted by Abe in 2019, is a particularly significant hindrance to obtaining a quality basic education in Nigeria. One of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) report underscores that many working children lack the time, finances, or energy to attend school. Approximately 6 million working children exist in Nigeria, evenly distributed between boys and girls. Roughly 1 million children are compelled to leave school due to poverty, either foregoing education entirely or frequently missing classes. Over 8 million children manage to attend school while juggling employment, often sacrificing their education to meet the demands of their workplaces, according to Abe in 2019. In the light of the above, there has been noticable increase of child labour among Nsukka residents. This study is therefore carried out to investigate the impacts of child labour on the academic performance and factors associated with this practice among junior secondary school students in Model Secondary School Nsukka, Enugu State. 1.2 Statement of the problem Child labour which involves children within the age bracket (5-17) is a violation of a number of international human rights charters and conventions such as 1989 Convention on The Rights of the Child (CRC).Nigeria is a signatory to numerous international agreements that explicitly forbid child labour. At the national level, the Child Rights Act of 2003 stands as the most comprehensive child protection legislation, along with the Labour Act of 1990, both of which explicitly prohibit child labour within Nigeria. Despite the existence of these legal instruments, the prevalence of child labour remains distressingly common in Nigeria. This study contends that the effectiveness of these laws is undermined by inadequate implementation, insufficient provisions, and significant contradictions, rendering them ineffective in curbing child labour. Consequently, this study investigates key provisions in major international and national laws pertaining to child labour regulation in Nigeria, aiming to pinpoint inconsistencies and challenges within the legal framework. Additionally, it offers recommendations for establishing a more effective legal framework to combat child labour. According to Ibeme (2014), a significant number of children engage in labour to provide support for their families and themselves, primarily due to poverty. In certain cases, parents encourage their children to work, viewing their labour as a profitable endeavour. Child domestic workers may have the opportunity to balance their work responsibilities with schooling, while those less fortunate and unable to attend school might be subjected to extended hours of domestic tasks, including cooking, cleaning, caring for children and the elderly. These demanding activities frequently put the child's development at risk, as highlighted by Myanmar in 2015.Children engaging in inappropriate Labour often easily adopt negative behaviours from adults. Okoye and Tanyi (2009) suggest that these children, involved in activities like hawking, may learn undesirable skills like pickpocketing, and some may even turn to a life of crime, leading to various societal issues, such as drug trafficking, theft, and kidnapping. Furthermore, children performing domestic work can become victims of verbal and sexual abuse, physical punishment, or even starvation, as documented by Ikwuyatum (2010). On the other hand, there is an argument that work can help children with socialization, self-esteem development, and skill acquisition, as proposed by Brown, Drendorff, and Robert (2002). However, working children often have limited time for play and social interaction, potentially hindering their overall development and causing them to feel inferior to their peers. These consequences have a significant impact on the society. They can lead to delayed national development due to a shortage of human capital and an increase in crime rates, as discussed by Nnabuchi (2013). Additionally, children who are sexually exploited and abused are highly vulnerable to contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and experiencing unwanted pregnancies. Their vulnerability is exacerbated by their lack of choice in such situations, and the perpetrators are often older individuals with previous exposure to sexually transmitted infections, as highlighted by Bassett and Baghebo (2012). Effective strategies to reduce child labour include providing financial support to these children and implementing proactive measures to address street children. To gain insight into the origins, timeline, and outcomes of child labour, we analyze shifts in capitalist labour markets, including technological advancements, changes in family approaches, government policies, and cultural norms.In Nsukka, children are required to undertake demanding tasks, with some facing physical and verbal mistreatment when they struggle or are unable to complete tasks that are too difficult or heavy for them. In many instances, both young boys and girls combine their household duties with selling items like pure water, okpa, bananas, and cold drinks on the streets and highways, instead of being in school. Additionally, some children are compelled to assist their parents with farm work, while others engage in activities like street begging, pushing trucks, or working as bus conductors for their livelihood, as mentioned in Nnabuchi's study 2013. This situation highlights the distressing extent to which children are subjected to abuse, maltreatment, violation, and exposure to unsafe conditions. This study therefore aims at filling this knowledge and research gap by studying the factors associated with child labour practices, using Model Secondary School in Nsukka as a study area. 1.3 Research questions This study will be based on the following research questions formulated to guide the study: 1). How prevalent is child labour among junior secondary school students in Model Secondary School Nsukka? 2). What are the key factors contributing to child labour among these students in the Nsukka region? 3). What is the extent of the impact of child labour on the academic performance of junior secondary school students in Model Secondary School Nsukka? 4). How do different forms of child labour, such as street hawking, affect the academic performance of these students? 5). What strategies or interventions can be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of child labour on the academic performance of junior secondary school students in Model Secondary School Nsukka? 1.4 Research Objectives The general objective of this study is to ascertain the impact of child labour on the academic performance of junior secondary students in Nsukka. The study will specifically aim to achieve the following: 1). To determine the prevalence and incidence of child labour among junior secondary school students in Model Secondary School Nsukka. 2). To identify the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to child labour among junior secondary school students in the Nsukka region. 3). To assess the impact of child labour on the academic performance of junior secondary school students in Model Secondary School Nsukka. 4). To analyze the varying effects of different forms of child labour such as street hawking on the academic performance of these students. 5). To formulate evidence-based strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of child labour on the academic performance of junior secondary school students in Model Secondary School Nsukka. 1.5 Significance of the study This study holds significance both in theoretical and practical terms. From a theoretical standpoint, it contributes to the existing knowledge about the causes and consequences of child labour on the education of children, particularly in Nsukka local government area. The research findings will serve as a valuable reference for students and fellow researchers interested in similar topics, ultimately validating existing theories on the impact of child labour on children's education. In practical terms, this study is highly important as it sheds light on the detrimental effects of child labour on education of children. It will be of great value to education stakeholders, including school administrators, policymakers, government officials, parents and guardians, and the general public. This insight will enable them to understand the negative implications of child labour on a child's educational development. Armed with this information, the government and educational institutions can implement the study's recommendations effectively to manage and mitigate the impact of child labour a child's education. Furthermore, the study's findings and recommendations will highlight the role that socially responsible individuals and non-governmental organizations can play in mitigating the effects of child labour on boys and girls in schools, contributing to a broader societal benefit. Lastly, this study will positively reshape the perspective of parents and families regarding child labour, emphasizing the importance of educating young children before involving them in the workforce. Definition of Concepts Academic Performance: This concerns how well students fare in their academic pursuits, including their grades, examination results, attendance, and other gauges of their scholastic accomplishments. Child: According to the Nigeria law, a child is defined as any person below 18 years of age. Child labour: In this study, child labour is primarily characterized by two key criteria: the nature of the work being performed and the minimum suitable age for that work. When children under the age of 18 engages in an activity that poses risks to their physical and mental well-being, they are typically categorized as a child labourer. This includes any form of work that is detrimental to children in mental, physical, social, or moral aspects, as well as activities that hinder their access to education by either preventing them from attending school or compelling them to juggle school attendance with excessively long working hours. Child Right: In this research, child's right pertains to the human rights of children, acknowledging the imperative to treat children justly, equitably, and with respect. Chores: Chores encompasses regular yet essential responsibilities like dishwashing or laundry folding children do. Education: According to Education Research and Development, education is a structured journey in which individuals, whether young or mature, gain knowledge, experience, expertise, and a positive mindset. Trained educators deliver this in a classroom setting. Family Support: Family support services encompass community-based programs designed to aid and bolster parents in their caregiving roles. These services come in diverse forms, tailored to the unique strengths and requirements of each family, with the overarching objective of empowering parents to improve their skills and address challenges in order to foster optimal child development. Hazardous work: In this research, this refers to dangerous labour that, either due to its inherent nature or the conditions under which it occurs, is prone to jeopardize the well-being, safety, or ethical values of minors. Impact: This is used in this study to refer to the strong negative effect or influence that something has on a situation or person. Junior Secondary School: This pinpoints the specific level of education being examined, commonly comprising students in the initial years of secondary education. Nsukka: This designates the geographical location or region in Nigeria where the research is being carried out, which can influence the local context and findings. Reference https://iproject.com.ng/education/the-effect-of-child-labour-on-the-academics-performances-ofstudents-in-some-selected-schools/index.html https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330218988_Impacts_of_Child_Labour_on_School_Attendan ce_and_Academic_Performance_of_Senior_Secondary_School_Students_in_Nigeria https://www.unicef.org/sudan/stories/universal-definition-what-it-means-be-child https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/child-labour-rises-160-million-first-increase-two-decades https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labour_in_Africa https://www.ilo.org/ipec/facts/WorstFormsofChildLabour/Hazardouschildlabour/lang-en/index.htm https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/family/what-is-family-support-and-how-can-it-help-us/
