Teacher Absenteeism and Its Effects on Secondary School Academic Performance in Plateau State

This study explores the causes and consequences of teacher absenteeism in public secondary schools in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Teacher absenteeism is a persistent challenge in Nigerian public schools and is widely associated with declining instructional time, poor student motivation, and weak academic performance. Despite being a recognised systemic problem, the specific drivers and effects of absenteeism in Plateau State have not been thoroughly investigated at the undergraduate research level. The study employs a descriptive survey design and draws on a sample of 350 teachers, vice principals, and principals from 45 secondary schools across three local government areas in Plateau State. Data collection involves structured questionnaires and documentary evidence from attendance registers, and analysis employs descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results reveal that poor remuneration, long distances from school to residence, lack of motivation, and personal commitments are the leading causes of absenteeism. Academic performance indicators, including term-end examination scores and student failure rates, are significantly worse in schools with high absenteeism rates. The study recommends the implementation of incentive-based attendance policies, deployment of teachers closer to their communities, and regular supervisory inspections by local education authorities. Keywords: teacher absenteeism, academic performance, secondary schools, instructional time, Plateau State.