DEPARTMENT OF ADULT AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATIO

This study seeks to examine the Influence of peer groups on Students' behaviourial pattern and academic performance in the University of Benin. Five research questions were raised and examined. Data was collected from one hundred and eighty (180) respondents from the Faculty of Education in the University of Benin. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and was designed to elicit appropriate information from the respondents. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and the analysis of data was done using frequency count and percentages. The findings of the study shows that peer groups serves as a contributory influence to students behaviour by Inculcating certain traits and characteristics which they pick from one another of the same peer groups. These skills, traits or characteristics helps to build the student positively or negatively in any area of their life, be it social or academic. Some of the recommendation made include; students should attain a certain level of maturity and sense of independence before making any intention to join peer groups or associate self with peer groups. Also parents should ensure that their children are well trained and tutored