Volume 14, 2025
Navigating Parental Engagement and Lower Basic School Success in Nigeria: Insights from Recent Research and Effective Practices
I. Ekwerike, CASIMIR, A. T. KOMOLAFE & C. Ekwerike, OBUMNEKE
Abstract
The role of parents in supporting their children's learning is fundamental in shaping not only the academic
outcomes but also the overall development of basic school pupils. Thus, if it is not taken seriously or neglected,
can have adverse consequences on children and their future. This research is aimed at advocating for sustained
parental engagement for basic school pupils, as it has been revealed to be a treasure, a hidden driver and a key
catalyst that shapes and directs children towards a balanced positive future. The study used an extensive
literature search to elucidate the concept of parental engagement, explored the various facets of parental
engagement, and analysed four theories that correlate with parental engagement, specically attachment
theory, ecological systems theory, social capital theory, and modelling theory. Further literature search was
carried out to enunciate key factors of parental engagement and academic achievement which revealed that
pupils who feel supported by their parents are more likely to develop positive relationships with peers and
teachers, exhibit fewer behavioural problems, and demonstrate higher levels of self-esteem. The study
concluded that parental engagement is a powerful driver of success in primary education, inuencing not only
academic outcomes but also the social and emotional development of pupils. Some recommendations were
made including that schools should strive to establish and use multiple effective channels of communication
between the school and parents, including digital platforms, to keep parents informed and engaged in their
pupils' progress; the government should strengthen its backup plans and allocate more resources to lessen the
impact of global crises on parental engagement and pupils' academic performance.
Keywords
Academic outcomes, Attachment, Ecological, Lower basic school, Parental engagement
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