School-Related Factors Influencing Dropout Among Secondary School Students in Yola, Adamawa State

Secondary school dropout in North East Nigeria continues to limit human capital development and exacerbate cycles of poverty and social exclusion. This study investigated school-related factors influencing dropout among secondary school students in Yola, Adamawa State. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with 300 current students identified as at-risk and 60 former students who had dropped out participating from eight secondary schools. The School Environment Assessment Questionnaire and a structured dropout tracking interview guide were used for data collection. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that the most salient school-related dropout factors included poor teacher-student relationships, inadequate sanitation facilities, school-based bullying, irrelevant curriculum content, and absence of functional counselling services. Dropout was significantly more prevalent among students from rural feeder communities and those who walked long distances to school. The absence of an active school counsellor was identified by 74 percent of dropout cases as a missed preventive opportunity. The study recommended that Adamawa State education authorities establish early warning systems within schools to identify and support at-risk students, and that counsellors be empowered to lead student retention task forces. Investment in basic school infrastructure and community sensitisation campaigns was also recommended. Keywords: school dropout, school-related factors, secondary school, Yola, Adamawa State.