An investigation into the relationship between students' sports participation and their leadership skills in Damaturu Local Government Area, Yobe State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the study
Student engagement in sports has been widely recognized as a platform for developing leadership skills and fostering qualities such as teamwork, responsibility, and strategic thinking. In Damaturu Local Government Area, Yobe State, sports participation is embedded within the cultural and educational framework, offering a unique context to examine how athletic involvement can influence leadership development among students (Ibrahim, 2023). Over recent years, research has increasingly emphasized that extracurricular activities, particularly competitive sports, nurture leadership by providing real-life challenges that require decision-making, communication, and collaborative problem-solving (Abdullahi, 2024). Participation in sports events often compels students to take on roles that extend beyond mere physical performance, thereby enhancing their confidence and ability to influence their peers. In schools across Damaturu, anecdotal reports have noted that students involved in sports are more likely to assume leadership positions both in the classroom and in community settings. This connection is believed to stem from the discipline, resilience, and social interaction inherent in sports (Sani, 2023). Moreover, sports serve as a microcosm of society, offering an arena in which students learn to handle success and failure, negotiate conflicts, and inspire collective action. The dynamic nature of sports competitions encourages students to develop critical interpersonal skills, which are essential for effective leadership. This study also recognizes that leadership is a multifaceted construct influenced by individual traits, environmental factors, and cultural expectations. In Damaturu, where communal values and social cohesion play significant roles, the leadership skills acquired on the playing field may translate into enhanced community engagement and academic achievement (Yusuf, 2024). Given the current emphasis on holistic education, it is imperative to understand how sports participation contributes to leadership development, particularly in regions with unique social dynamics. The present investigation aims to assess whether the experiences gained from sports participation directly correlate with improved leadership abilities among students, thereby offering insights into how extracurricular activities can be integrated into school curricula to promote overall student development (Hassan, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the recognized potential of sports participation to cultivate leadership skills, there is a lack of systematic research examining this relationship among students in Damaturu Local Government Area, Yobe State. Many schools have incorporated sports programs into their extracurricular activities; however, there is limited empirical evidence to substantiate claims that these activities translate into measurable leadership competencies. Educators and community leaders have observed that while some students naturally emerge as leaders through sports, others do not seem to benefit equally from similar experiences. This disparity raises questions about the consistency of sports as a medium for leadership development. Factors such as the level of competition, quality of coaching, and opportunities for role assumption during sports events may all contribute to these uneven outcomes (Musa, 2023). Moreover, the current educational framework does not systematically integrate sports outcomes with leadership training, leading to a gap in understanding the extent to which athletic involvement influences broader personality development. The absence of targeted studies in this region further complicates efforts to design curricula that harness the benefits of sports participation. As a result, policymakers and educators are challenged by the need to establish clear guidelines for leveraging sports as a tool for developing leadership skills. Without this information, opportunities to nurture future leaders may be inadvertently missed. Therefore, the present study seeks to address these issues by investigating the relationship between students’ sports participation and their leadership skills. By identifying the key factors that mediate this relationship, the research aims to provide a basis for developing strategic interventions that enhance leadership training within the school environment (Bello, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
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To assess the extent of sports participation among students.
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To evaluate the leadership skills demonstrated by these students.
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To determine the correlation between sports participation and leadership development.
Research questions:
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How prevalent is sports participation among students in Damaturu?
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What leadership skills are observed among student athletes?
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What is the nature of the relationship between sports participation and leadership development?
Research Hypotheses:
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H₁: There is a significant positive relationship between sports participation and leadership skills.
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H₂: Students who actively participate in sports demonstrate higher leadership competencies.
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H₃: The quality of sports coaching moderates the relationship between sports participation and leadership development.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it explores the under‐researched area of how sports participation influences leadership skills among students. The research provides empirical evidence that can assist educators in integrating leadership development into sports curricula. The findings are anticipated to aid in the formulation of educational policies that encourage holistic development. By revealing the links between athletic involvement and leadership qualities, the study will support interventions aimed at nurturing future community leaders. Its outcomes are expected to substantially influence modern educational practices, offering a blueprint for combining physical and leadership education in schools.
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to investigating the relationship between students’ sports participation and leadership skills in selected schools within Damaturu Local Government Area, Yobe State. The analysis is confined to sports‐related experiences and does not include other extracurricular activities. Variability in coaching quality and extracurricular opportunities may limit the generalizability of the results.
Definitions of terms:
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Sports Participation: Active engagement in organized sports or physical competitions within an educational setting.
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Leadership Skills: Abilities related to guiding, influencing, and inspiring peers in group or community contexts.
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Student Athletes: Students who actively engage in school sports and physical competitions.
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