For a long time, the nuclear family model has been seen as the fundamental social unit for raising kids. Today, having a single parent is a prevalent family structure. It has been questioned whether this change in family dynamics would have an impact on various aspects of children’s lives, including their academic performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the issue of single parenthood’s prevalence and how it affects students’ academic performance in computer science. In order to gather data from a representative sample of the targeted demographic, the research used a descriptive survey design technique. The study’s sample consisted of 200 respondents who were drawn at random from ten senior secondary schools, including 150 students and 50 teachers, for a total of 200 respondents. The study was directed by four research questions and four research hypotheses. A self-structured questionnaire that the researcher developed based on certain perceived variables of students and teachers, regarding the effect of single parenting on the academic achievement of computer science; was used to collect data. The correct statistical analysis was performed on the gathered data. The descriptive statistical methods of mean and standard deviation were used to assess the four (4) research questions that were posed for the study. ANOVA and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were used to test hypotheses 2 and 3 respectively, while a t-test of the paired sample was utilized to test for hypothesis 4 using SPSS Version 23 and an 0.05 threshold. The findings of this study revealed a considerable academic success gap between children raised in dual-parent families and those raised in single-parent families, with the former group significantly outperforming the latter. The results also demonstrated that several perceived challenges faced by single-parent students significantly affect their academic performance as computer science students. Based on the findings, it was recommended that functional guidance and counseling units should be created in all schools, and single parents should receive periodic training in time management; so that they can assist their children with their schoolwork and provide them with academic guidance. Single parents should also be urged to regularly attend PTA meetings at their kids’ schools to develop stronger relationships with the students and teachers, which will ultimately improve their kids’ performance in examinations.

Keywords:  Prevalence, Single Parenthood, Academic Performance, Computer Science,

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