The Effects of an Absentee Father in a Child's Education
Today, June 15th, 2025, is father's day and we are writing this article to celebrate fathers while discussing a very important issue that we see in our society today, which is, the absence of fathers.
The Story of Emmanuel (Not real Name)
At just 7 years old, Emmanuel had already learned what it meant to survive. He arrived at Tsion Academy, brought by his mum in faded uniforms, clutching a tattered book. Bright-eyed but withdrawn, he kept to himself during classes and barely spoke above a whisper. It didn’t take long before we realized something deeper was going on. His teachers noticed his struggles, and this was not just with reading and math, but with focus, confidence, and trust.
When we spoke with his mother, the pieces fell into place. Emmanuel lived with his mother and a younger sibling. His father had left years ago, with no calls, no support, no goodbye. The burden of survival had fallen on a weary mother and a confused young boy who didn’t understand why the man he called “Daddy” had disappeared.
The Unseen Crisis: Father Absence in Education
Emmanuel’s story is not an isolated case. Across Nigeria, and in many underserved communities around the world, millions of children are growing up without present fathers. The reasons vary: some fathers pass away, others abandon their families, and some are simply emotionally unavailable, even if physically present (I call them present as though they’re absent). But one fact remains constant: the absence of a father deeply affects a child’s education
Fathers play an important role and their absence causes the following:
1. Academic Performance Dips
Children without active fathers in their lives often struggle academically. They may perform poorly in school due to:
- Lack of academic support at home
- Reduced self-esteem and motivation
- Emotional distress that affects concentration
At Tsion Academy, we see how the presence of positive male figures, majority of whom are our Big Brothers, mentors, teachers, and volunteers, can significantly improve a child’s academic outcomes. And each time, the truth remains that fatherlessness leaves a gap, but intentional care can begin to fill it.
2. Behavioural and Emotional Struggles
Absentee fathers leave more than physical gaps. They leave emotional scars.
- Children may become withdrawn or aggressive.
- They may develop trust issues or find it difficult to form healthy relationships.
- Some seek validation through negative behavior, craving attention in any form.
We once worked with a girl who frequently lashed out at classmates. After weeks of mentorship, she broke down and admitted, “I don’t know why my dad left. I just want to know what I did wrong.”It’s a heartbreaking burden for a child to bear.
3. Economic Disadvantage
Single mothers often work tirelessly to keep their children in school, but without financial support, many kids are forced to drop out, hawk on the streets, or skip school for days. Fatherlessness frequently correlates with poverty which is one of the greatest barriers to quality education. That’s why Tsion Academy provides free holistic education so that no child is denied learning because of a missing parent or empty pocket.
4. Identity and Self-Worth Issues
Children model their identity after their parents. The absence of a father can leave a child questioning their worth, value, and identity. This internal conflict can manifest in:
- Academic disengagement
- Reluctance to dream or set goals
- Fear of failure or abandonment
Through our mentorship programs at Tsion Academy, we intentionally surround students with nurturing adult figures who speak life, value, and destiny over them.
What We’re Doing at Tsion Academy
At Tsion Academy, we do more than teach. We heal. We restore. We father.
- We run emotional literacy sessions to help children process pain and find their voice.
- We provide mentorship programs where children, especially boys, are paired with responsible male role models.
- We involve mothers and caregivers in parent empowerment programs, equipping them to raise confident, emotionally healthy children.
- And above all, we create a safe space of love, structure, and belief, so no child feels they have to earn affection or compete for attention.
A New Chapter for Emmanuel
Months after joining Tsion Academy, Emmanuel is no longer the silent boy in the corner. He leads group discussions, recites Bible verses boldly, and recently placed top of his class in literacy.
What changed?
Consistency. Love. Mentorship. Community.
He may never see his father again, but today, Emmanuel is surrounded by teachers and mentors who remind him daily: “You are not forgotten. You are not fatherless. You are destined for greatness.”
Conclusion
Every time our founder, Abayomi Adeola Della says "it takes a village to raise a child", it goes really deep and we see the effect when one member of that village is absent. The effects of absentee fathers on education are profound, but they are not irreversible.With intentional intervention, community support, and holistic education, we can rewrite the story. At Tsion Academy, this is one of the many things we get to do in the process of giving these children quality education, and we are glad to do just that, one child at a time.
If you believe in building futures, healing wounds, and giving every child a fighting chance, you can partner with us by volunteering, donating or simply sharing this article.
Together, we can become the fathers, mothers, and mentors which some of these children never had.
Do you want to help a child Like Emmanuel? Visit www.tsionacademy.org.ng to donate, volunteer, or learn more about our impact. You can also contact us to mentor a child and become the light in someone’s story.
