Academic efficacy and self-esteem as predictors of academic achievement among school going adolescents in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate academic efficacy and self-esteem as predictors of academic achievement among school-going adolescents in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.

A descriptive research design was used in the study. A total of three hundred (300) respondents were selected from Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The respondents were measured using relevant standardized scales, including the academic efficacy scale, self-esteem scale, and student achievement scale, all of which demonstrated strong reliability with a coefficient of .89. The data obtained were analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistical analysis of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Two research hypotheses were formulated and tested in the study.

The results revealed a significant relationship between academic efficacy and students' academic achievement (r = .781; p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between self-esteem and students' academic achievement (r = .781; p < 0.05).

Based on these findings, it is recommended that parents take an active role in teaching and monitoring their children to improve their self-esteem and academic efficacy. Furthermore, school-going adolescents should be trained on strategies to enhance their self-esteem and academic efficacy, as these factors play a crucial role in boosting academic achievement. Strengthening these areas will contribute to reducing poor academic performance among students in society.