The aim of this research was to find out the effect of teachers’ academic qualification and attitude on the performance of Chemistry students on external examination in Sokoto metropolis. Total numbers of 128 students, 19 teachers and 3 principals were used in this study; the instrument used for data collection was questionnaires which were administered personally by the researchers to three randomly selected secondary schools in Sokoto metropolis. The method used for data analysis was simple percentage to examine the findings. Among the major findings for this is that, the higher the qualification of teachers, the higher the performance of the students in Sokoto State. Also there is a great difference between the qualification and attitude of teachers and performance of students. With these findings, we recommend that workshop and seminar should be organized to update the knowledge of teachers.

1.0         Background to the Study

The quality of education of a nation could be determined by the quality of her teachers. The most important factor in improving student’s performance in chemistry is employing seasoned qualified teachers in both academic qualification and attitude in all schools (Abe and Adu, 2013). Okunwa (1999) found that investment on the quality of teachers is related to improvement in student’s performance specifically the measurement of teacher’s attitude and certifications are correlated to student’s performance in chemistry. It is further reported that teachers characteristics such as certification status, degree in area of specialization, as well as attitude to the specialized area of subject are very significant and positively correlated with students learning outcome in science and particularly chemistry. This report was intended with the findings of Salman (2009). In view of this, it should be noted that when recruiting someone for teaching, apart from considering his academic qualification his attitude should also be a considerable factor.

Abe and Adu (2013); Wiki (2013) opined that, a teaching qualification of a teacher’s attitude is one of the number of academic and professional degree that enables a person to become a registered teacher in primary or secondary schools. Such qualification includes Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGDE), the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) and Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.).

Attitude an academically qualified teacher refers to those who have academic training and attitude as a result of enrollment into educational institution and obtained qualification both in learning and character such as NCE, B. Sc. (Ed.), B.Ed., . While professional qualified teachers are those who got professional training that gave them professional knowledge skills, techniques, aptitude as different from the general education....