Geostatistical Analysis of Accessibility to Secondary Schools in Parts of Benue State

Abstract

This research studied accessibility to secondary schools in some parts of Benue State. The objective of the study was to determine the level of accessibility to secondary school. The study adopted survey, field observation and measurement to obtain the needed data. The study adopted gravity model as the related theoretical framework. GIS and descriptive statistical techniques were employed to map, visualize and analyze the data. The result shows that accessibility to secondary school in the three Local Government Areas is generally low, though it varies between schools, within and between Local Government Areas. This depicts a very stressful schooling condition for the majority of students, and has far-reaching implications in terms of lack of skilled manpower, inadequate facilities and consequently low standards in the educational system. To ensure effective and valid decision-making, and maintain high standards in the system, it was recommended that equitable and systematic distribution of school facilities should be embraced. Furthermore, more schools should be established in the areas which currently have low accessibility to bridge the accessibility gap and encourage active participation and consistent attendance at schools among the students.