Abstract
Juvenile delinquency among secondary school students remains a growing concern in Nigeria,
particularly in urban centres such as Katsina Town. This study examined the factors responsible
for juvenile delinquency among senior secondary school students. Using a survey research
design, data were collected from 384 students across public, private, and community secondary
schools, complemented by in-depth interviews with teachers, parents, guidance counselors, and
community leaders. Findings indicate that poor parental upbringing and broken homes were the
most significant contributors, followed by peer influence and economic hardship. Less prominent
factors included lack of strict school discipline, exposure to violent media, and drug abuse. The
study concludes that juvenile delinquency in Katsina Town is primarily rooted in family, peer,
and economic contexts, and recommends a holistic approach involving strengthened parental
supervision, positive peer networks, economic support, and school-based guidance and
discipline measures. The findings provide evidence-based insights for policymakers, educators,
and community stakeholders seeking to mitigate delinquency and promote positive youth
development.