SCHOOL POPULATION GROWTH AND EDUCATIONAL QUALITY IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS: A CASE STUDY OF GOVERNMENT SECONDARY COMMERCIAL SCHOOL, WUDIL, KANO STATE, NIGERIA By Jibrin A. M.1, Ayuba M.2, Saidu A. D.3, Hafsat Y. Y.4, Aisha I.5, Famade, O.6, Murtala M.7 1&7 School of General Studies, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State jibrinamb@yahoo.com/jibrinamb@gmail.com; 0703 9106 919 / 0805 6194 364 2,5&6Department of Educational Foundation, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State 3&4Department of Public Administration, Bayero University, Kano

Abstract

Abstract

The continuous growth of student enrolment in public secondary schools has created challenges for maintaining educational quality, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria. Increased access to education, population growth, and demand for formal schooling have contributed to rising student populations, resulting in overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, and pressure on teaching resources. This study examines the impact of school population growth on educational quality in Government Secondary Commercial School, Wudil, Kano State. The study specifically determines the extent of school population growth, examines its effect on teaching effectiveness and classroom management, assesses its influence on students’ academic achievement, and identifies strategies for improving educational quality. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of teachers and students of Government Secondary Commercial School, Wudil. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The study was guided by the Class Size Theory of Learning, which explains the relationship between classroom population, teaching effectiveness, and learning outcomes. Findings revealed that excessive student population contributes to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate educational facilities, increased teacher workload, reduced student attention, and poor academic achievement. The study concludes that improving educational quality requires expansion of school infrastructure, recruitment of qualified teachers, and effective management of student enrolment.

Keywords: School population growth, Educational quality, overcrowded classrooms, Academic Achievement, Secondary Education.