Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Influence of Parental Involvement on Career Development and Decision Making of Secondary School Students in Kogi Central

Owolabi Moses Mosimabale

Abstract

Career success or failure and its consequences such as its satisfaction or dissatisfaction depend on how appropriately students choose their field of study and subject combinations particularly at the secondary school level hence the need for parental guidance. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research, the study examines the influence of parental involvement on career development and decision making among secondary students in Kogi central. Data used were collected through interviews and 150 questionnaires administered to parents and students in the selected schools in the area. The findings revealed that wrong subject combinations and uniformed career choice often result in frequent career changes, prolonged future job searches and career dissatisfaction. While career choice is generally viewed as a personal decision, the study confirmed that parents significantly influence students’ career paths. Through parental support, guidance and encouragement, students are better positioned to make informed careers choices with greater employment and job potentials. Parental involvement enhances students’ awareness of future career pathways, making education more purposeful and improving their chances of academic and career success. Thus, the study recommended active parent engagement in educational and career planning – without imposing specific career choices to the students.

Keywords

careerparental influencesecondary schooland decision-making

References

Achebe, C. C. (2012). Assessing the career maturity of Students in the East Central State of Nigeria: Journal of Vocational Behaviour, 20,254-161. Adesemowo, P. O. (2011). A study of career planning programme in secondary school of Oyo State. The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 4, 192, 18-26. Anike, F. O. and Famolu, F. B. (2022). Parental influence on choice of career among secondary school students in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. Canadian Journal and Family and Youth, 14 (3):78-91. Chukwu, N. E. Ogidi, C. I. Akanem, I. N. and Ilechukwu, L. C. (2022). Factors influencing career choice among secondary school students in Aba North of Abia State and implications for School Library Development. Library Philosophy and Practice (ejournal). Clutter, C. (2010). The effects of parental influence on their children’s career choices. Kansas State University. Manhattan, Kansas. Ezeani P.T., Ogu C. and Sabboh G.M. (2023) Parental involvement as correlate of career decisionmaking among secondary school students in Oyo State, Nigeria, British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences 4 (4),106- 115 Mish, F. C. (Ed.; 2004). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (11th ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. Otto, L. B. (2000). Youth perspectives on parental career influence. Journal of Career Development, 27(2), 111-118. Retrieved October 23, 2007, from: PROQUEST database Chope, R. C. (2006). Family matters: The influence of the family in career decision making. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed. Ferry, N. M. (2006, June). Factors influencing career choices of adolescents and young adults in rural Pennsylvania. Journal of Extension, 44(3). Retrieved August 31, 2007, from: ww.joe.org/joe/2006june/rb7.shtml Fouad, N. A., et al. (2018). The role of parental support and family climate in adolescents' career exploration and decision-making. Journal of career development, 37(3), 165-181. Kolo, I. (1991). Hints on career guidance in schools. A handbook for 6-3-3-4 secondary schools career masters and counsellors, Ikeja, Lagos: Tested Leisure Publishers. Leung, S. A., &Shek, D. T. (2018). Parental influence on career development: A Comparison Study among Chinese and Western Youth. Journal of career development, 45(4), 339-354. Malin, J. R., Bragg, D. D., & Hackmann, D. G. (2017). College and career readiness and the every student succeeds act. Educational Administration Quarterly, 53(5), 809–838. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161X17714845. O’Reilly, A. O. (2011). Career development for young people in secondary schools: new approach is needed. Guidance and Counselling Journal, Vol. 7, 7-35 Roach, K. L. (2010). The role of perceived parental influences on the career self-efficacy of college students. Counsellor Education Master's Theses. Paper 88. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1087&context=edc_the ses Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2024). Examining the influence of parental involvement on career development and decision-making of secondary school students: A Comparative Study. Udoh, A., & Sanni, B. (2012). Parental background variables and the career choice of secondary school students in Uyo local government area, Nigeria. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 497-504. Oral Interview Adeleye, H. (2025). Teacher/mother, civil servant, community comprehensive high, school, Ogori, 54+, 25 March Itopa, A, (2025). Driver/father, civil servant, Ajaokuta Local Government Area, 50+ 22/03/2025 Ajibola K. (2025). Civil Servant/ Chairman parent, teacher association Divine International Academy, Okene. 58+, 12/03/2025. Ajikanbi, P. (2025). Teacher, Parent/ government secondary school, Ogori, 48+ 30 May. Iledudun, O. (2025). Teacher/mother, civil servant Ihima, 44+, 30/05/2025 Mohamed, M. (2025). Teacher/parent, Asco Staff secondary school, Ajaokuta, 5+ February, Moses. P.O. 2025). Trader/mother, Ajaokuta, Ajaokuta Local government Area 58+ 2nd April Orire, O. (2025). Teacher/ Parent, civil servant, Overcomersecondary Technical School, Ajaokuta, Owolabi D. (2025). Teacher/parent, Universal Basic Education School, Ogori, 46+ Omeiza, D. (2025). Teacher Champion Group of School, Eika, 40+, 05/05. Omeiza D. (2025) parent/Teacher, Government secondary school, Ogodu,

More Articles from JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL POLICY