Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study. 5
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 6
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 7
1.4 Research Questions. 7
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 8
1.6 Significance of the Study. 8
1.7 Scope of the Study. 9
1.8 Limitations of the Study. 9
1.9 Organization of the Study. 9
1.10 Definition of Terms. 10
CHAPTER TWO.. 13
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 13
2.0 Introduction.. 13
2.2 Conceptual Review.. 13
2.3 Theoretical Framework.. 22
2.4 Empirical Review.. 24
Chapter Three. 31
Research Methodology. 31
3.1 Introduction.. 31
3.2 Research Design.. 31
3.3 Population of the Study. 31
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques. 31
3.5 Data Collection Instruments. 32
3.6 Validity and Reliability of the Instruments. 32
3.7 Procedure for Data Collection.. 32
3.8 Methods of Data Analysis. 33
3.9 Ethical Considerations. 33
3.10 Summary. 33
CHAPTER FOUR.. 34
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 34
4.1 Preamble. 35
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 35
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 38
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 38
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 49
Discussion of Findings. 51
CHAPTER FIVE.. 53
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.. 53
5.1 Summary. 53
5.2 Conclusion.. 55
5.3 Recommendations. 56
References. 58
Research Questionnaire: Impact of Sporting on Pupils’ Academic Performance. 63
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.1 Background to the Study
Sporting activities have long been recognized as integral components of education, offering not just physical benefits but also significant contributions to students' overall development. In the context of secondary education in Nigeria, where academic performance is a focal point, understanding the relationship between sports participation and academic achievement is of paramount importance. This introduction seeks to explore the multifaceted impact of sporting activities on pupils' academic performance in primary schools across Nigeria.
To comprehend the interplay between sports and academic performance, it's crucial to acknowledge the holistic benefits sports offer. Participation in sports cultivates discipline, teamwork, and time management skills among pupils (Adeyemi, 2018). These qualities are transferrable to the academic sphere, where students must balance studies, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Thus, by engaging in sports, students develop a robust skill set that enhances their academic endeavors.
Furthermore, sports serve as a means to promote mental and emotional well-being among students, which directly influences their academic performance. Research indicates that regular physical activity, such as participation in sports, correlates positively with improved cognitive function, concentration, and memory retention (Oluwaseun, 2020). In the Nigerian educational landscape, where students often face various stressors, including academic pressure and societal expectations, sports offer a vital outlet for relaxation and stress reduction, ultimately fostering an environment conducive to academic success.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized benefits of sporting activities on students' holistic development, there exists a gap in understanding the specific impact of sports participation on pupils' academic performance in primary schools across Nigeria. While numerous studies globally have highlighted positive correlations between sports involvement and academic achievement, there is a scarcity of research specifically tailored to the Nigerian educational context. Consequently, the lack of empirical evidence regarding the relationship between sporting activities and academic performance in Nigerian primary schools hampers efforts to implement targeted interventions and policies aimed at optimizing students' educational outcomes.
Moreover, within the Nigerian educational system, there are unique socio-cultural and infrastructural challenges that may influence the integration and effectiveness of sports programs in primary schools. Issues such as inadequate sports facilities, limited access to trained coaches, and competing priorities within the curriculum may hinder students' engagement in sports and subsequently impact their academic performance. Therefore, addressing these contextual factors and understanding their implications is essential for devising strategies that leverage sporting activities to enhance pupils' academic achievements in primary schools across Nigeria.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of sporting on pupils’ academic performance in schools. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the relationship between participation in sporting activities and academic performance among primary school pupils in Nigeria.
- To examine the influence of socio-cultural and infrastructural factors on the integration and effectiveness of sports programs in primary schools in Nigeria.
- To explore perceptions and attitudes of students, teachers, and school administrators towards the importance of sporting activities and their impact on academic performance in Nigerian primary schools.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What is the nature of the relationship between participation in sporting activities and academic performance among primary school pupils in Nigeria?
- How do socio-cultural and infrastructural factors affect the integration and effectiveness of sports programs in primary schools in Nigeria?
- What are the perceptions and attitudes of students, teachers, and school administrators towards the importance of sporting activities and their impact on academic performance in Nigerian primary schools?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no significant relationship between sporting activities and pupils’ academic performance.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to select primary schools in Itu Local government Area, Akwa Ibom State. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
