Locus of Control as Predictor of Truancy among Public Secondary School Students in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated locus of control as predictor of truancy among secondary school students in Katsina state, Nigeria. To guide the study three hypotheses were formulated and tested. This study adopted a correlational research design. The sample consists of 346 students drawn from a population of 3,696 (SS II) students, using multi-stage sampling technique. The two instruments were used for data collections which were Locus of Control Questionnaire (LOCQ) and Students Truant Behaviour Questionnaire (STBQ). The internal consistency reliability coefficient obtained for Locus of Control Questionnaire (LOCQ) and Students Truant Behaviour Questionnaire (STBQ) were 0.83 and 0.67 respectively. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistic at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between internal locus of control and truancy among secondary school students in Katsina State; and that there is significant gender difference in truancy among Senior Secondary School Students in Katsina State. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that automated computerized register could help to identify truant students, and Parents should endeavour to visit their children and wards in their school without them being aware of such visits.