Relationship Between Secondary School Science Resources and Students’ Performance in WAEC Science Examinations Across South South Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between science resource availability in secondary schools and student performance in WAEC Science examinations across the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Considerable investment has been made in school science infrastructure through various government and donor programmes, yet the link between resource levels and measurable examination outcomes at a regional level requires systematic analysis. An ex-post facto correlational design was used. Data were gathered from 120 secondary schools across Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River States. Science Resource Inventory data were collected from laboratory records, teacher reports, and school administrators, while WAEC Biology, Chemistry, and Physics results for four consecutive years were obtained from respective state education boards. A Science Resource Index was computed and correlated with examination pass rate data using Pearson's r and multiple regression. Results indicated that laboratory equipment availability and teacher qualification levels were the strongest resource predictors of WAEC Science performance, collectively accounting for approximately 35 percent of variance in pass rates. Textbook adequacy and ICT resources showed weaker but significant associations. Recommendations included a targeted South South science resource investment programme, national assessment of resource-performance links, and data-driven allocation of equipment grants. Keywords: science resources, WAEC performance, South South Nigeria, secondary schools, examination outcomes.