Analysis of Spatial Distribution of Public Primary Schools in Kirfi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| Adam Modu Abbas; Abubakar A. Jajere & Yam, Abdullahi Department of Geography |
| Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State Email: dradamabbas28@gmail.com Corresponding Author: Adam Modu Abbas |
ABSTRACT
This study analyses the spatial distribution of public primary schools in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches as well as descriptive cross sectional survey were employed to make an investigation of the phenomenon. Data were collected from 100 respondents by using in-depth interviews, measurements and observations. Nearest Neighbour analysis was used to determine the spatial distribution pattern of the public primary schools in the study area where the result reveals that schools are clustered and the value of Nearest Neighbour index (Rn) was computed and was found to be a Z-Value -7.124643 at 1887.595660 Meters Observed Mean Distance and 3608.025269 Meters Expected Mean Distance. The Z-Score of -7.124643 indicates less than one percent (≥1%) likelihood that the distribution pattern exhibits clustering because, the schools are located close to settlements. The result further reveals ‘closeness to the schools’ as the major factor, the longer the distance that pupils walk from home to schools the lower the level of patronage/enrolment. The influence also brings about dropouts and absentees. The study suggests strategies for improving accessibility of primary education to pupils in the study area and areas for further researches on the roles of geographic locations of schools.
