Factors Responsible for Juvenile Delinquency in Nigeria: A Case Study of Selected Primary Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focuses on the major associated factors sustaining and responsible for an increasing juvenile delinquency and crime.  Three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Fifty delinquent and fifty non-delinquent juveniles were randomly selected from ten schools across Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria and research questionnaires administered to solicit information. The hypotheses were tested using chi square statistic at p?.05 level of significance and appropriate degrees of freedom. Results indicate broken home, poverty and peer influence are the main sustainer of juvenile delinquency. Since poverty appears to be the primary cause of juvenile delinquency it suggested that, the government at all levels should step-up efforts to improve the economy, as a matter of urgency is recommended among others.

Keywords: Juvenile Delinquency, Crime, Family, Peer Influence, Poverty