Practices of Child Labour Among Parents in Ekiti State, Nigeria: Implication for School Administrators

Abstract

The study investigated the practices of child labour among parents in Ekiti State, Nigeria.  The descriptive research design of the survey type was used for the study.  Multistage random sampling technique was used to select four hundred (400) parents living in Ekiti State.  A self-designed questionnaire was used as instrument for the study.  The face and content validity of the instrument was ensured by experts while the reliability of the instrument was ensured using test-retest method.  The reliability coefficient of 0.84 was obtained.  The data collected was analyzed using t – test, one way ANOVA and scheffe post hoc analysis. One general question and four hypotheses were generated for the study. The study confirmed the existence of child labour practice in the state and that it is predominant in the domestic sector. The study revealed that there was significant difference in the practice of child labour by male and female parents; there was also significant difference in the practice in terms of marital status and employment status of parents.  There was no difference in the practice of child labour among parents of different religions.  It was recommended among others that parents should be economically empowered to reduce poverty and urge to involve their children in labour.  Laws on child labour should be enforced by relevant agencies with a view to reducing incidence of child labour on our streets.  School administrators should implore various organisations like the media, religious bodies and others to campaign against the practice of Child Labour.

Key words: Child  labour, school administrators, parents, prevalence, practice.