STUDENT ATHLETES

This study investigated the relationship between physical activity, demographic factors, environmental factors, and academic performance of student athletes in the University of Benin. The study was undertaken in response to concerns about how varying levels of physical activity, personal characteristics, and environmental conditions influence the academic outcomes of student athletes. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 268 student athletes in the University of Benin, from which a sample size of 137 respondents was selected using appropriate sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire designed to elicit information on physical activity participation, demographic variables, environmental factors, and academic performance. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, while inferential statistics were employed to test the stated hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that physical activity has a significant relationship with the academic performance of student athletes. The study also showed that demographic factors such as age, level of study, and gender, as well as environmental factors including availability of sports facilities and supportive learning environments, significantly influenced academic performance. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the university should provide supportive sporting and academic environments and encourage balanced physical activity participation to enhance the academic performance and overall development of student athletes.