Changes in Igbo Family Institution on the Academic Performance of Students of Higher Learning

Abstract

The high level of social vices ravaging our school system nowadays which have become major threat to high academic performance in tertiary institutions has been the major problem of this study. This study discourses the failing role of family institution in the inculcation of moral values to children and how it contributes to the poor academic performance of the students in tertiary institutions. Survey research design and functionalist theory of social change were adopted. The data were collected from a sample of students of higher institutions in Imo State. A total number of 146 students were involved in the study. Instrument used were a fourteen-item questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using five (5) points Likert scale. It was found out that the major role of family institution is to inculcate moral values to the younger generation. It was also found out that the failing role of family institution in inculcating moral values to the younger generation has contributed to the social vices ravaging our school system nowadays which has become threat to the high academic performance of students. However, it was also revealed that the laxity of family institution in her role gave the students opportunity of using social media negatively and keeping evil peer group which contribute to the poor performance of the students in tertiary institutions. Based on the findings, recommendations on how to remedy these problems are provided.