IMPACT OF NURSERY EDUCATION ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN ENUGU EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Nursery Education on the academic performance of Primary School Pupils in Enugu East Local Government Area. The research was guided by two research questions. The research employed Descriptive Survey research. The population of the study consists of 995 teachers in 65 primary schools in Enugu East Local Government Area. A sample size of 285 teachers (with 10 randomly drawn from each of the 28 primary schools) was selected for the study. A structured questionnaire titled “NEAPPS” was used as an instrument for data collection. Mean statistic and standard deviation was adopted as the method of data analysis. The findings showed that Nursery school education have good effect on the academic performance of pupils in primary school. Students with nursery education perform better in primary schools, Students with nursery education tend to face challenges with confidence unlike those without nursery education, Students with nursery education have better skill in reading and writing, Students with nursery education seem to be flexible in his thinking, realistic and capable of sustained efforts. The study recommends that every child should first attend a Nursery school before going to the primary school. It was then recommended that adequate mass enlightenment of parents on the need for Nursery education should be done.