ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Parental involvement in children's education is crucial for improving academic success and overall development. In Nigeria, parents' active participation in school activities has shown positive effects on children's academic performance. However, factors such as socioeconomic status, lack of education, and time constraints often limit parental engagement, raising concerns about the long-term impact on children's education. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the levels, types, and frequency of parental involvement in school activities, as well as identified the factors that influence parental participation in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 605 parents of students enrolled in public and private schools in Egor Local Government Area. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire that measured socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and the factors affecting parental involvement. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 34.5±12.5 years, with a majority (53.4%) being female. Most respondents (56.9%) had attained tertiary education. The study revealed that 90.4% of parents were aware of their child’s school activities, and 91.9% recognized the importance of their role in ensuring educational success. However, socioeconomic status, educational level, and occupation were significantly associated with the level of parental involvement (p < 0.001). Private school parents (96.5%) were more involved than those with children in public schools (73.9%). CONCLUSION: Parental involvement in Benin City is generally high, but factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, and school type play significant roles in determining the extent of engagement. There is a need for strategies to increase participation, especially among lower socioeconomic groups, to ensure all children benefit from parental support in education. Keywords: Parental involvement, School activities, Education, Socioeconomic status, Benin City, Nigeria.
