EQUALITY OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: THE LOCATION OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON FEMALE STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE TO SCHOOLING IN PORT HARCOURT TOWNSHIP

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the equality of educational opportunity with respect to the location of female public secondary schools in Port Harcourt township. The descriptive survey research design was used. The sample consists of eighty (80) respondents which involves 20 parents/guardians and sixty (60) female public secondary schools students. The results were interpreted using maps, percentages and chats, and showed that there is only one public secondary school accessed by female students in Port Harcourt township. Most of the female students have to attend school outside Port Harcourt Townshipcovering a (to and fro) distance of over 27.1km daily. The study reveal that students’ are usually fatigued and lose interest in learning after covering such long distances to school. Absenteeism is fast becoming a syndrome among female secondary school student in Port Harcourt township. The study suggested the location of two new female public secondary schools, and urge education planners and policy makers to come up with a policy on appropriate distances from residence for public secondary school location in the country.