Investigation into causes of poor academic performance in mathematics among Obafemi Awolowo University undergraduate students, Nigeria

This study was aimed at investigating the causes of poor academic performance and to establish the strategies that can be adopted to improve performance in Mathematical Methods I among undergraduate students in Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Descriptive research design in form of an ex post facto approach was used. Sample was randomly selected from among students in four faculties that took the course in their second year. The data was collected using questionnaire. Descriptive statistics in form of simple percentages were used to analyze the obtained data. Factors attributed to poor performance include poor infrastructure, emotional problems, and weakness in Mathematics background among others. Remedial counseling involving cognitive restructuring and achievement motivation were recommended. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be very useful to school psychologists, university administrators, counselors and educators who are concerned about the rising rate of poor performance among Nigerian undergraduates.