The Impact of Trekking on Academic Performance in Nigerian Government Secondary Schools

In Nigeria, many students attending government secondary schools face a significant challenge that affects their academic performance: trekking long distances to school. This issue, which often goes unnoticed, can have a direct impact on how well students perform in their studies. This article will focus on how trekking impacts students in government secondary schools, as well as discuss possible solutions, including school transportation and health programs that provide free medical checkups.

Physical Exhaustion and Fatigue

One of the most immediate effects of trekking long distances is physical exhaustion. Many students in government schools walk several kilometers each day to reach school, often starting their journey early in the morning. By the time they arrive, they are already fatigued, which affects their ability to concentrate, participate in class, and retain information. Physical exhaustion also diminishes cognitive abilities such as focus, memory retention, and problem-solving skills.

For students who have additional household responsibilities, such as chores or caring for younger siblings, the daily routine becomes even more difficult. The fatigue caused by trekking, combined with limited rest, leads to a decline in academic performance since these students cannot fully engage with their lessons.

Time Constraints and Study Habits

Trekking long distances not only causes physical exhaustion but also reduces the time available for students to focus on their studies. Many students return home late in the evening, leaving little or no time to review the day’s lessons or complete assignments. This time limitation affects their ability to keep up with their classmates, as personal study and revision are key to reinforcing what is taught in class.

Students who live closer to school or have access to transportation are at an advantage, as they can use the time saved from commuting to focus on their studies. Time spent trekking each day could instead be used for homework or rest, both of which contribute significantly to academic success.

Health Implications and School Attendance

The physical exertion from trekking long distances also affects students’ health. Exposure to adverse weather conditions such as heat, rain, or dust often leads to illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, or heat exhaustion. When students frequently fall ill, they tend to miss school, leading to poor attendance, which directly impacts their academic performance.

In government secondary schools, absenteeism due to illness is a widespread issue, more so in areas with limited access to healthcare. When students fall ill, they often lack timely medical attention, which extends their absence from school. This recurring absenteeism leads to missed lessons, making it difficult for students to keep up with their academic responsibilities.

Mental Strain and Motivation

Trekking long distances also takes a toll on students’ mental well-being. The daily routine of waking up early and embarking on a tiring journey to school creates stress, frustration, and a lack of motivation. Over time, students may start viewing school as a burden rather than an opportunity, which leads to disengagement from their studies.

In schools, where resources may already be stretched thin, the mental strain caused by trekking can have a lasting impact. Students who are demotivated and mentally exhausted are less likely to participate in class, complete assignments, or take exams seriously. This cycle of disengagement results in further academic underperformance.

Government secondary schools located far from students’ homes are among the most affected by the issue of trekking. In many cases, students walk long distances through unsafe or poorly maintained roads to reach school. This situation not only places a physical burden on the students but also raises concerns about their safety, with girls facing a higher risk of harassment or other dangers during their journey.

Parents in some communities often face a difficult choice between sending their children to school despite the risks or keeping them at home where they are safe but miss out on education. In these cases, the long distance to school becomes a significant barrier to education for students attending government schools.

Possible Solutions

To address the issue of trekking and its impact on students’ academic performance, two key interventions can be considered: school transportation and health programs that provide free medical checkups. These solutions are aimed at reducing the physical strain of trekking and addressing health-related challenges that contribute to absenteeism and underperformance.

1. School Transportation

Introducing school transportation for government secondary school students is one of the most effective ways to address the issue of trekking. Providing school buses for students who live far from school would greatly reduce the physical exhaustion caused by walking long distances. With transportation available, students can arrive at school rested and better prepared to engage in their studies.

The federal, state, or local governments, in collaborative partnership with non-governmental organizations, could fund and implement transportation systems for schools. Even in areas where full-scale bus services may not be feasible, smaller-scale solutions like organizing carpool systems or using bicycles could help ease the burden on students. Providing transportation would not only improve school attendance but also lead to better focus in class, as students would no longer be fatigued from trekking.

2. Health Programs with Free Medical Checkups

In addition to providing transportation, government secondary schools should implement health programs that offer free medical checkups for students. Regular checkups can help detect and treat illnesses early, preventing extended absences due to sickness. These medical services would also help identify common health issues, such as respiratory infections or other conditions caused by exposure during treks, and address them before they worsen.

Implementing these practical solutions would create an environment where students can focus on their studies without the added burdens of physical fatigue and health concerns. Tackling these challenges will help the government support students in reaching their full academic potential and building a stronger foundation for the future.