Keywords
ethical values
academic excellence
Catholic schools
Character education
How to Cite
Share
Abstract
The study investigated students’ perception of school governance system as a correlate of ethical values and academic performance among Catholic senior secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The study adopted a correlational research design. A sample of 200 students was selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using three instruments: Students’ Perception of School Governance Questionnaire (SPSGQ), Students’ Ethical Value Scale (SEVS), and Academic Performance Questionnaire (APQ). Findings revealed that students demonstrated high levels of academic performance (=3.13) and ethical values (=3.20). A significant relationship was found between students’ perception of school governance and their ethical values (r = .683, p< 0.01), while a moderate significant relationship was found between governance perception and academic performance (r = .440, p< 0.01). The study concluded that school governance is a powerful pedagogical and moral force in student development, and that Catholic schools with positively perceived governance systems are better positioned to achieve their dual mandate of academic excellence and moral formation. It was recommended that schools implement structured opportunities for ethical decision-making, expand academic recognition programmes, and conduct regular student perception surveys to monitor and improve governance practices.
References
Adesanya, T. O., & Bello, M. A. (2021). Perception and behavioral outcomes in school settings: A psychological analysis of Nigerian secondary school students. Journal of Educational Psychology and Counselling, 12(2), 45-61.
Adetona, B.O. (2025). Leadership and governance in education: Addressing the learning crisis in Nigerian public schools. International Journal of Modern Science and Research Technology, 3(7), 112-124.
Adewale, R. K., & Omoniyi, B. F. (2022). Moral education and youth development in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 14(1), 78-94.
Agba, E.T., Ortserga, D.S., Vambe, A., & Dam, D.P. (2025). The role of the Catholic Church in enhancing secondary school education: An analysis of facilities, student enrolment and performances in Gboko Catholic Diocese, Benue State, Nigeria. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26(1), 50-60.
Ajayi, A.K., Adebusuyi, I., & Adebayo, J.O. (2025). Role of school factors in shaping students’ moral conducts in educational institutions. ADSU International Journal of Applied Economics, Finance and Management, 10(3), 742-756.
Akpan, C. P., & Etuk, G. K. (2020). School administration and academic performance of secondary school students in Cross River State, Nigeria. Global Journal of Educational Research, 19(1), 34-48.
Anacletus, I.O. (2018). Philosophical appraisal of Catholic education in Nigeria: Lessons for Abakaliki Diocese. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 7(12), 142-152.
Bamidele, O. A., & Ogunyemi, S. F. (2023). School governance quality, ethical behavior, and academic commitment among secondary school students in Lagos State. Lagos Education Review, 11(2), 59-75.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall.
Chukwuemeka, E. J., & Eze, P. C. (2023). Governance effectiveness and students' academic performance in public secondary schools in Enugu State. Journal of Educational Management and Administration, 15(1), 22-40.
Fashola, K. O., & Ojo, R. T. (2022). Administrative transparency and students' ethical behavior in Ogun State secondary schools. Journal of Educational Research and Administration, 9(3), 66-81.
Meyer, J. W., & Rowan, B. (1977). Institutionalized organizations: Formal structure as myth and ceremony. American Journal of Sociology, 83(2), 340-363.
Obioma, G. C., & Nwachukwu, E. D. (2021). Ethical leadership, school governance, and students' value formation in secondary schools in Anambra State. Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 26(1), 15-30.
Oluwaseun, P. A., & Adegoke, B. A. (2023). School administration and academic performance of students in Oyo State secondary schools. Educational Management and Administration Quarterly, 7(2), 44-62.
Onyekachi, E. M., & Ugwu, C. T. (2022). Students' perception of governance and academic motivation in Imo State secondary schools. Journal of Applied Educational Research, 13(3), 28-44.
Zubairu, S., Inuwa, U.M., & Musa, Y. (2025). Assessment of teachers’ perception on ethical and civic values objectives attainment in upper basic schools in Ringim Education Zone, Jigawa State. International Journal of Education and National Development, 3(1), 25-33.
