ASSESSMENT OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AKURE NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed emergency preparedness in public and private secondary schools in
Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, with the objectives of
examining the level of awareness of emergency preparedness among teachers and
students and determining if there was a significant difference between the two groups.
Methodologically, the study employed a descriptive survey research design, using a
structured questionnaire as an instrument for data collection from 850 respondents
comprising 250 teachers and 600 students from twenty-five (25) schools that were
sampled using a multi-stage sampling (stratified sampling, random sampling and
convenience sampling techniques) procedure. The data were descriptively analysed using
frequency count, percentages and inferential statistics.
The study found no significant difference in the teachers’ and students’ awareness of
security challenges and emergency preparedness, with a relatively good awareness of
security challenges and emergency preparedness among both teachers and students in
secondary schools in Akure North Local Government Area.
This study concluded that there is a good awareness of security challenges and
emergency preparedness, with some schools having functional security gadgets.
However, there are gaps in comprehensive security coverage, with certain gadgets like
cell phones, school ambulances, and security guards being less available or functional.
The study recommends that authorities should leverage the relatively good awareness of
security challenges and emergency preparedness among teachers and students to develop
targeted training and drills. Additionally, schools should combine awareness with
tangible infrastructure to ensure a secure and supportive educational setting.