The adolescence stage of life can be regarded as the middle stage of life between childhood and adulthood and is the foundation of life as it can make or mar one’s life. The achievement orientation of an adolescent, therefore, matters to enable a good foundation. Inclusive in making for a good foundation is also the parental background. A mother’s influence in the adolescent’s life matters a lot, especially the influence of a literate and educated mother. It is given that a measure of achievement orientation would reflect in the academic performance.   The present study looks into mothers’ literacy   level and achievement orientation cum performance of adolescents in Kwara state, Nigeria, to see what differences can be found.