Consequences Of Child Abuse On Students Academic Performance As Perceived By Secondary School Teachers
[A CASE STUDY OF ILORIN METROPOLIS]

Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to critically examine and evaluate the consequences of child abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students as perceived by teachers in Ilorin metropolis.
The specific objectives include:
1.    To draw out how children are abused.
2.    To show how child abuse impact on the development of these students.
3.     To study particularly how abuse affect the academic performance of students.
4.    To explore possible option of stopping child abuse in Nigeria, paying particular reference to Ilorin metropolis
Significance of the Study
The finding of this research work is useful for every stakeholder in the Education sector, the government, the parents, the students, the society, and the non- governmental organization (NGO’s). It will help the government to enact laws and polices that will prevent child abuse and ensure that those who indulge in child abuse are punished and given orientation. It will also help the   school management and teachers to easily identify abused children and know what to do to help such abused students in improving on their academic performance through guidance and counseling.
The research will also help the parents to understand the danger of abusing their children and provide them with impetus to achieve academic excellence. It also helps the non-governmental organization in their advocacy against child abuse. Above all, it helps the student to stand for their right and protect their future by remaining focused and undistracted on their academics.
Operational Definition of Terms
Child Abuse: - Refers to physical or emotional harm done to the children by parents or guardians.
Academic Performance:- This is the degree of understanding the subject offered at secondary school level as determined by the terminal examination or the result of the West African School Certificate (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO).
Child: - A child is a person who is under the age of 18 years and is still under the guide of his or her parent.
Child Labour: - Child labour is the systematic process of using children to work with little or no compensation and consideration for their health and safety.
The Abused: - Are the children who are physically, and emotionally maltreated and which affect their intellectual, social and academic performance.
Scope of the Study
The scope of the study will be limited to the analysis of the consequences of child abuse on the academic performance of children in schools in ten (10) randomly selected schools within Ilorin metropolis of Ilorin South Local Government Area.