School Facilities and Student Engagement in Learning: A Study of Secondary Schools in Eket Educational Zone, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

This study examines the impact of school facilities on student engagement in learning within secondary schools in Eket Educational Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It focuses on three key dimensions: the relationship between the quality of school facilities and student engagement, the influence of facility availability on student motivation and academic commitment, and the extent to which students' perceptions of their learning environment affect their academic engagement. Using a descriptive survey research design, data was collected from secondary school students and analyzed using Pearson correlation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to determine significant relationships between school infrastructure and student engagement. The study's findings provided critical insights for educators, policymakers, and school administrators, emphasizing the need for improved investment in educational infrastructure to enhance student motivation, participation, and academic success. Furthermore, the research bridges existing gaps in knowledge by offering empirical evidence on how both tangible (physical structures) and intangible (perceived learning environment) factors contribute to academic engagement. The study concludes that a well-equipped learning environment positively influences student engagement and that policies aimed at improving school infrastructure can lead to higher academic commitment among students.