The impact of school sports culture on students' academic engagement in Maiduguri Local Government Area, Borno State.
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Background of the Study
School sports culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and practices related to sports within an educational institution, and it has emerged as a significant factor influencing academic engagement. In Maiduguri Local Government Area, Borno State, the integration of sports into the school culture has been recognized as a means to foster a more vibrant and engaged learning community (Lawal, 2023). A strong sports culture not only encourages active participation in physical activities but also instills a sense of discipline, teamwork, and commitment that can positively influence academic behavior. Research indicates that when students identify with a robust sports culture, they tend to exhibit higher levels of school pride and motivation to excel in both athletic and academic domains (Abdullahi, 2024). In Maiduguri, several schools have embraced this approach by organizing regular inter-house sports events, annual sports festivals, and incorporating sports achievements into the overall evaluation of student success. These initiatives contribute to creating a positive school climate where academic engagement is enhanced by the competitive and supportive atmosphere fostered by sports. Moreover, the cultural emphasis on sports as a vehicle for socialization and personal development can translate into improved concentration, time management, and goal-setting skills, all of which are critical for academic success (Nuhu, 2025). Despite these encouraging trends, there remains a lack of comprehensive research on how the pervasive sports culture within schools directly affects academic engagement. Many studies have focused on the isolated effects of physical activity, neglecting the broader cultural context in which these activities occur. This study aims to address this gap by examining the role of school sports culture in shaping students’ academic engagement. By integrating perspectives from educational theory and sports psychology, the research will explore how a well-established sports culture can create an environment that supports both academic and athletic excellence. The findings will be pivotal in guiding school administrators and policymakers in designing interventions that leverage sports culture to enhance overall student engagement and academic performance (Usman, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized benefits of a strong school sports culture, many educational institutions in Maiduguri face challenges in translating these cultural values into tangible improvements in academic engagement. While several schools have successfully implemented sports festivals and related activities, there is inconsistency in how these initiatives affect students’ academic focus and performance. The prevailing problem is that, although sports are celebrated as part of the school identity, their potential to boost academic engagement is often underutilized or inadequately measured. In some cases, the emphasis on sports can inadvertently lead to an imbalance where academic pursuits are sidelined. Furthermore, the absence of standardized measures to assess academic engagement in relation to sports culture complicates the evaluation of these initiatives. Resource constraints, varying levels of administrative support, and differences in community expectations contribute to this problem. These challenges underscore the need for a comprehensive study that examines the linkage between school sports culture and academic engagement. Without clear evidence on how sports culture influences academic behaviors, schools may miss opportunities to harness this powerful tool to improve educational outcomes. The current study is therefore designed to investigate the mechanisms through which a strong sports culture can enhance academic engagement, taking into account contextual factors such as socio-economic background, school leadership, and resource availability. Addressing this gap is critical for developing evidence-based strategies that integrate sports and academics effectively, ensuring that the benefits of a robust sports culture are fully realized in terms of improved student performance and overall school climate.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the impact of school sports culture on students’ academic engagement.
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To examine the relationship between sports-related activities and academic behaviors.
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To identify strategies for leveraging sports culture to enhance academic performance.
Research Questions
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How does school sports culture influence academic engagement among students in Maiduguri?
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What is the relationship between participation in sports-related activities and academic performance?
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Which factors moderate the influence of sports culture on academic engagement?
Research Hypotheses
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A strong school sports culture is positively associated with higher academic engagement among students.
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Participation in sports-related activities significantly improves academic behaviors.
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Institutional support and resource availability moderate the relationship between sports culture and academic performance.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the often-overlooked relationship between school sports culture and academic engagement. The research will provide empirical evidence to support strategies that integrate sports values into academic settings, thus fostering improved educational outcomes. The findings, grounded in current research (Lawal, 2023; Abdullahi, 2024), will be invaluable for school administrators and policymakers seeking to create a balanced and motivating school environment that nurtures both athletic and academic excellence.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to investigating the influence of school sports culture on academic engagement among students in Maiduguri Local Government Area, Borno State. It will focus exclusively on school-organized sports initiatives and exclude community-based sporting events.
Definitions of Terms
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School Sports Culture: The collective values, beliefs, and practices related to sports within a school community.
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Academic Engagement: The level of participation and involvement in academic activities, including attention, effort, and persistence.
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Sports-Related Activities: Organized events and practices related to athletic participation within the school setting.
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