Abdullahi Umar, Ali Garba Kolo, Grema Mustapha

Keywords: Peer group influence, campus, social activities, sports, clubs, associations

Abstract

This paper examines social life and students’ academic performance among undergraduate students of Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research method, with a sample size of 538 students selected from five Faculties of the Yobe State University, Damaturu. The Social Influence Theory of Hodges and Newcomb Peer Group Theory form the theoretical framework for the study. Hodges’ social influence theory suggests that individuals’ behavior is shaped by the opinions and actions of others in their social environment. While Newcomb’s peer group theory argues that peer groups play a significant role in shaping socialization and identity formation among peers in society. The data were collected through the use of questionnaire while the data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study’s results indicate that campus social activities such as sports, politics, clubs and organizations have a positive and significant relationship with student academic performance with Chi-square value (X2 =18.913) greater than the table value (10.6) and significance at 0.05. The study concludes that campus social life provides opportunities for students to develop skills and experiences that positively impact their academic performance. Therefore, it is recommended that University management should promote a positive and supportive campus culture that values academic excellence and at the same time encourages students to prioritize their studies.

Author Biography

Abdullahi Umar

Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Maiduguri

Email: [email protected]

Ali Garba Kolo

Department of Sociology, Yobe State University, Damaturu

Grema Mustapha

Department of Education, Borno State University, Maiduguri

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