Factors Affecting Internal Efficiency of Primary Schools In Nuer Zone of Gambella Regional State

The general objective of this study was to assess the internal efficiency of primary schools of Nuer Zone of Gambella Regional State. The study endeavors to identify the major trends that may affect positively or negatively, primary education efficiency of the zone. To achieve these objective descriptive research studies was conducted. The quantitative data was collected from principals, unit leaders, department heads by using available sampling and teachers using simple random sampling, annual abstracts and report through questionnaires were presented, analyzed and interpreted by using standard deviation frequency count, mean, grand mean and percentage. Qualitative data was collected from students and parents by using focused group discussion and interview. Parents were selected using purposive sampling and that of student using simple random sampling. Ten primary schools were selected randomly which comprised (13%) of the total primary schools. The zonal trend of dropout rate and repetition rate of upper primary schools was showing oscillating with varying increase and decrease over the years but it ended up with an increasing trend, whereas the trend of dropout rate increased in 2012/13 by 0.98% and that of repetition rate trend increase by 1.85% in 2012/13 respectively. The average grand mean of 10 sampled primary schools showed increased trend of dropout rate by 0.56% and that of repetition increased by 1.60%. Based on the research finding, some of the major factors causing for students dropout rate and repetition were; students over age group; principals, teachers, unit leaders and department heads have low education academics background; most parents are illiterate and with low standard of living; the long distance from home to school, students family standard of living, shortage of school facilities and involvement in family work were mentioned as the major challenging factors for dropout. High students section ratio, students- teachers’ ratios and lack of adequate student text books were the major challenging factors for repetition. To solve these problems, the researcher recommends actions in order to enhance parent literacy and awareness raising program; enhanced schools facilities and resources and limiting the student’s involvement in family work were the major ones. Finally, zonal education office, woreda education offices and schools administrators have to work hard and provide serious follow up to make schools show continuous trend in decreasing student dropout and repetition.